Roller rockers and valve springs?

[Rdrcr]

I'm looking to add some roller rockers and valve springs to my aging factory valvetrain. Will 1.6 roller rockers clear the stock valve covers without modification? Which brands of roller rockers are bolt-on, requiring no addition modifications to install? Which aftermarket springs will work best for the stock '86 camshaft?

Mike

 

[Ike83]

I'm pretty sure the stock rockers on a 302 are already 1.6. If you're upgrading the valvetrain you might as well move up to a 1.7 rr. That's the way I'm rollin'. However, I do have a little scarring on the tops of a few of my rockers which is why I went with thicker gaskets and the Cobra valve covers.

 

[Rdrcr]

^^^^^
I know the factory rockers are 1.6, however, I don't think they are roller rockers. I would upgrade to the 1.7's, but I don't want to use taller/aftermarket valve covers.

Mike

 

[Ike83]

More lift = more power

 

[Ike83]

Dude.....I've had 1.7 rr's in my valvetrain the whole time I've had it and that was WITH the stock valve covers. Now, it may knock a little, but I don't think it's really going to hurt anything. I mean, if you're going to get new rockers, might as well make it worth your while.

 

[jtfairlane]

Will 1.6 roller rockers clear the stock valve covers without modification?

Mike

The ratio of the rocker has a lot less to do with valve cover clearance than the style of the rocker body itself.

Get Pedestal mount rocker arms if you want a stock bolt-on deal, but you will have to check rocker to cover clearance. Install the rockers, mount the covers, turn the motor over and listen for metal to metal contact. If there is contact, machine down the baffle bosses, lower the baffles closer to the roof of the cover, and machine anywhere else that is making contact. You can put assembly lube or some other sticky colored substance on the rockers, and if you are making contact you will see the goo sticking to the inside of the cover if you turn the motor over by hand (don't start the engine).

 

[Ike83]

That's a good idea too.

 

[Rdrcr]

It makes sense that the design of the rockers have to be a consideration with regards to fitment, even if the ratio is the same. For example, would the Crane 1.6 roller rocker clear the factory valve cover? Will the Crane 1.7 roller rocker clear the factory valve cover (I would purchase the 1.7's if it did)? If it is only a little work to massage the valve covers to make a pedestal mount roller rocker work with the factory valve covers I will buy those. However, since my plan is to install a KB supercharger under the stock hood, I don't have room for taller valve covers. In addition, I don't want to hassel with thicker gaskets for the valve covers.

Which brand and model roller rockers would you recommend?

Any thoughts on valve springs?

I'm praying for a design that has worked for people in the past that is a direct bolt-on.

Mike

 

[Ike83]

I would think if you're going supercharged that you would DEFINITELY want the 1.7s wouldn't you?

Anyway, Comp Pro Magnum 1.7s w Comp springs is the way to go. They should fit good enough without too much fabrication. Of course I didn't install 'em originally, that was left to the original owner of the vehicle before I bought it, so I'm not sure if he had to shave off some of the baffle or not. I noticed a little scarring on the rockers so I'm assuming he didn't.

I think you'll be alright installing them. You should be good to go.

 

[lang williams]

i had the crane 1.7's that came on the factory cobra's and they fit under the stock valve covers, i removed the baffle under the oil fill cutout to be sure. i sold them for 1.6's when i changed cam because the gave so much lift it exceeded the valve spring rating. to me thats the only drawback of 1.7's.

 

[Rdrcr]

^^^^
It sounds like there is not too much work that has to be done to clear the 1.7's. Because of the SD, I'll likely keep the stock cam so the 1.7's will perhaps be the better choice.

Thanks guys for the replies!

Mike

 

[ninety15.0]

Comp cams pro magnum are one of the best rockers IMO...especially for a stock ped mount design. They are extremely well made and beefy. Dont skimp on valvetrain components...you will be sorry if you do.

 

[Rdrcr]

Are the Comp Cams Pro Magnum roller rockers stud mount, pedistal mount or both? I can only seem to find stud mount........Will those bolt to the factory setup?

Mike

 

[ninety15.0]

Both...i have the ped mount version. I think they run just under 3 bills.

 

[Rdrcr]

^^^^^
Do you have a link or a part number for the "bolt-on" version?

Mike

 

[ninety15.0]

http://www.compperformancegroupstor...Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=CC&Category_Code=ROCKR

You need to make sure you have the right part. I would just call comp cams and have them give you the pedestal mount part #. Good luck man

 

[Yeajimi]

I believe you can get a thicker valve cover gasket if the clearance is that close.

Do you have an 86' flat tappet set up already? I was under the impression 87' started the roller stuff.

 

[Rdrcr]

^^^^^
I thought that my '86 EFI 5.0 was roller? I'm a newbie, so I could be wrong? I'll be honest, I don't want a surprise when I pull the valve covers.

Ninety15.0, I'll give them a call.......Thanks for the help!

Mike

 

[facemelter71]

85 gt's where the first year for roller cams,86 gt's where the first year for fuel injected roller cams.I personally have crane cams 1.7RR's on my 86 gt and fit great,all you have to do is remove the oil baffle on the pass side fill hole,which just unbolts with like a 1/4" socket.If i was in your position just like i was about 3 years ago,i would put 1.6RR's on it and later do a cam swap.The 1.7's are too much of a hassle unless you want more cam lift from the rockers,but you have to refigure every cam that you think your gonna buy,and hope that you have enough piston to valve clearence.If you want more info,let me know id be more then happy to help.

 

[ninety15.0]

Well i dont think you should ever "hope" you have enough P/V clearance. I agree that sticking with the stock 1.6 ratio is the best idea. Then its just plug and play.