Roller Rocker Arms durability question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

mikep · 12-08-2002, 03:42 PM

I'm probably going to buy myself some roller rockers for christmas. Ive used them before but Ive heard that the aluminum needle bearing rockers will work harden over time and will crack although its not a problem Ive ever seen manifest itself. I'm tending to think this is a problem more with cams that use very high tension valve springs. Mine are the typical .550 lift Z28 springs that world product supplies with their SR heads. As My lift is more in the .440 range I dont think it would really create a problem although going with 1.6 rockers is a possibility I have looked at . Only thing I dont like about the 1.6 rockers is that I would probably want to use these rockers with a different cam in the future and while this cam is on the mild side I dont want to go overboard on valve lift . I have screw in studs and guide plates so pushrod clearance isnt an issue. Lot of rambling there but has anyone here ever had a real problem using aluminum needle bearing roller rockers on the street for extended periods?

68 with 350 TPI · 12-08-2002, 04:23 PM

Best rockers out for the money are the plain jane crane aluminum Energizer.

I have ran them on 8 diffrent motors 3 of which turned over 7,000 RPM while draging and I have not had a single problem with any set I have used.
I have used them on cams with 305 duration and 525 lift and they worked good.

I have a set on my 6-71 supercharged camaro as we speak

For any drag car /street fun toy these are the ones to get.
You dont stay in the high RPM long enough to hurt them.

The best rocker made right now is the pro magnum from comp for circle track stuff that stays in the high RPM as well as some of the solid roller really high RPM drag stuff.
But for the street its a waste of $$$

mikep · 12-09-2002, 11:07 PM

$267 later Ive got one set of Competition Cams Chrome moly pro magnum 1.6 full roller rocker arms on the way from summit racing...wooohooo ... and I have a wife asking silly questions like where I got the money if it didnt come from the bank account....you know....the slush fund!

Sierra · 12-10-2002, 12:22 AM

I've run Crane Gold Race (ie: expensive) 1.6:1 rocker arms for about 2 years with no problems. These are probably overkill for the street, but I wanted no hassles, so I got my wish. I would recommend these rocker arms for street or strip, but the price may be out of range for somebody who's looking to cut costs.

Mike C · 12-10-2002, 09:16 AM

For a street vehicle with hydraulic flat tappet cam, the Comp Magnum roller tips are a good choice. They help reduce side loading of the valve which should extend stem and guide life, and the proven grooved rocker ball works well. They do not reduce friction as much as the full needle bearing rockers, but are a better choice IMO for a 100k+ mile motor. GM equipped the Corvette LT4 with special Crane aluminum needle bearing rockers and there durability suggests more than 100k mile durability. I have well over 15 years and 100k miles on my roller tip Comps and am planning on another set for my 427.

*Randy70C-10* · 12-10-2002, 09:31 AM

I have Erson roller rockers in my blown 350, been in there since 96. I payed $170 for them. They've seen some RPM's too.

12-08-2002, 03:42 PM	#1
mikep Used to have a truck Join Date: May 2002 Location: port orchard WA Posts: 1,552	Roller Rocker Arms durability question I'm probably going to buy myself some roller rockers for christmas. Ive used them before but Ive heard that the aluminum needle bearing rockers will work harden over time and will crack although its not a problem Ive ever seen manifest itself. I'm tending to think this is a problem more with cams that use very high tension valve springs. Mine are the typical .550 lift Z28 springs that world product supplies with their SR heads. As My lift is more in the .440 range I dont think it would really create a problem although going with 1.6 rockers is a possibility I have looked at . Only thing I dont like about the 1.6 rockers is that I would probably want to use these rockers with a different cam in the future and while this cam is on the mild side I dont want to go overboard on valve lift . I have screw in studs and guide plates so pushrod clearance isnt an issue. Lot of rambling there but has anyone here ever had a real problem using aluminum needle bearing roller rockers on the street for extended periods? __________________ No truck :-(

12-08-2002, 04:23 PM	#2
68 with 350 TPI Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Wingate NC Posts: 456	Best rockers out for the money are the plain jane crane aluminum Energizer. I have ran them on 8 diffrent motors 3 of which turned over 7,000 RPM while draging and I have not had a single problem with any set I have used. I have used them on cams with 305 duration and 525 lift and they worked good. I have a set on my 6-71 supercharged camaro as we speak For any drag car /street fun toy these are the ones to get. You dont stay in the high RPM long enough to hurt them. The best rocker made right now is the pro magnum from comp for circle track stuff that stays in the high RPM as well as some of the solid roller really high RPM drag stuff. But for the street its a waste of $$$ __________________ Life is good with a 6-71 supercharged 355 in a 72 camaro

12-09-2002, 11:07 PM	#3
mikep Used to have a truck Join Date: May 2002 Location: port orchard WA Posts: 1,552	$267 later Ive got one set of Competition Cams Chrome moly pro magnum 1.6 full roller rocker arms on the way from summit racing...wooohooo ... and I have a wife asking silly questions like where I got the money if it didnt come from the bank account....you know....the slush fund! __________________ No truck :-(

12-10-2002, 09:16 AM	#5
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,720	For a street vehicle with hydraulic flat tappet cam, the Comp Magnum roller tips are a good choice. They help reduce side loading of the valve which should extend stem and guide life, and the proven grooved rocker ball works well. They do not reduce friction as much as the full needle bearing rockers, but are a better choice IMO for a 100k+ mile motor. GM equipped the Corvette LT4 with special Crane aluminum needle bearing rockers and there durability suggests more than 100k mile durability. I have well over 15 years and 100k miles on my roller tip Comps and am planning on another set for my 427. __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

12-10-2002, 12:22 AM	#4
Sierra Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Victoria, Texas Posts: 71	I've run Crane Gold Race (ie: expensive) 1.6:1 rocker arms for about 2 years with no problems. These are probably overkill for the street, but I wanted no hassles, so I got my wish. I would recommend these rocker arms for street or strip, but the price may be out of range for somebody who's looking to cut costs.

12-10-2002, 09:31 AM	#6
Randy70C-10 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va. U.S.A. Posts: 15,320	I have Erson roller rockers in my blown 350, been in there since 96. I payed $170 for them. They've seen some RPM's too.



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