I'm looking to buy 1.6 Rockers for my next mod.

My Mods:
BBK Shortys
ORY
2.5" - Flowmaster 40
K&N CAI
160*

135k LT1 / 4L60E

I was looking at 1.6 Rocker self aligning alumninum rockers.

Some questions:
- Will it effect my fuel economy?
- Will it effect my drivability? (I'm 18 - it's my Daily Driver)
- How much am I looking at if I have a shop install them?
- Do I need valve springs? Pushrods? ETC.


Thanks.

 

Some people don't put new springs in and don't have any noticable negative affects but you could get some valve float with the stock springs and 1.6 rockers. I'd atleast get the lt4 hot cam spring kit, i think it's under $100. Stock pushrods will be fine. You'll have to clearance your stock valve covers for the rockers to fit under them. Shoulnd't hurt fuel economy too much. I'd expect to pay anywhere from 200-500 to have them installed, depending on the shop and if you get valve springs.

 

I just did the lt4 springs/1.6 roller rockers, its not a hard swap at all, I rented the autozone vavle spring tool, and since lt4 springs are so cheap, and your car has 135k miles, I'd get the lt4 springs, not hard to do this mod, read up on how to do it here.

http://shbox.com/ci/valve_spring_swap.html

http://shbox.com/1/4th_gen_tech2.html#adjust_valves

I am also by no means an experienced mechanic, this was my first time swapping valve springs and adjusting rockers, and if I can do it, anyone can, so give it a shot yourself before you fork over your cash.

 

Thanks, did you notice a performance gain? fuel economy drop?

 

Don't know about fuel economy, been about a week since I did the swap, and yes you do get a performanc egain, and I;ve been driving it to show it lol I defintely felt a difference, plus right up to redline alot faster, 3rd gear(on a 6 speed) is alot stronger,

 

With stock springs, rocker arms, and cam, you will have 0.060" of spring travel available before coil bind. With stock springs, 1.6 rocker arms, and stock cam, you will have 0.030" left. Since most spring companies recommend a minimum of 0.060", that would indicate you should change the springs.

However, many people, including me, did not. Springs are pretty inexpensive and usually not that hard to change out. However, changing springs on these cars is tough. So, I decided that since I never exceed the factory red line, and my engine doesn't have a lot of miles, I kept the stock springs.

 

yeah but since I daily drive it and I have 135k I think I'll change it....

 

I think I'm going to get 1.6's and LT4 Valve Springs.... Anyone suggust a place to buy?

 

i got my lt4 springs and retainers from sdpc for like 40 bucks, i got some crane golds used for 150 from a local shop.

 

you can check www.summitracing.com and they have the springs i believe or thunder racing. you should get 7-10 rwhp and the springs will help you in the 5000-6200 range.

 

im @ 142K miles, i think im gonna do a LT4 Spring and rocker swap all from GMPP