Roller rockers,poly locks and valve covers

[Ronno6]

Do roller rocker arms and poly lock nuts fit under factory rocker covers??
Are they all the same height, or are some shorter than others?

 

[ajd89]

Do roller rocker arms and poly lock nuts fit under factory rocker covers??
Are they all the same height, or are some shorter than others?

On the big block in my truck the po put rollers on with poly locks. I couldn't figure out why he had 2 gaskets on the valve covers but it was because they stick up to high with the factory covers

 

[Blue Ox]

Usually no.

Are you building a sleeper?

 

[Ronno6]

Usually no.

Are you building a sleeper?

Not exactly...just don't wanna spend the coin for tall rocker covers if I can avoid it.
I have considered using self locking nuts ala stock, but have read too many reports
of then backing off.

 

[Snoots]

Poly-locks on my 350. No roller rockers. Single valve cover gasket.
No leaks, no clearance problems.

 

[75gmck25]

I used full roller rockers and poly locks, and it did require taller valve covers. However, I bought one of the cheapest sets I could find from Jegs and it was about $70 for aluminum. If I wanted stamped steel, they have them for as little as $25.

Bruce

 

[Ronno6]

Thanks, Roger. Good to know.
Thanks also to you, Bruce. I can afford that....

 

[75gmck25]

Another cost to consider with roller rockers is that depending on the rocker you choose (1.5, 1.6, etc.), you might need different length pushrods. I converted to a retrofit roller cam and roller rockers at the same time, so there was quite a bit of difference in pushrod length. Stock pushrods are about 7.8", and with my retrofit rollers and new rockers I needed a 7.1" length. I'm not sure if the length changes if you only switch to roller rockers.

Bruce

 

[Ronno6]

Another cost to consider with roller rockers is that depending on the rocker you choose (1.5, 1.6, etc.), you might need different length pushrods. I converted to a retrofit roller cam and roller rockers at the same time, so there was quite a bit of difference in pushrod length. Stock pushrods are about 7.8", and with my retrofit rollers and new rockers I needed a 7.1" length. I'm not sure if the length changes if you only switch to roller rockers.

Bruce

Retrofit roller lifters are longer than either flat tappets or OEM roller lifters, hence the need for shorter push rods.
I am building a roller ready "880" block with stock roller lifters.
I have not read anything about roller rocker arms needing push rods of lengths differing from stock, but that is something to research.

 

[75gmck25]

I think you are right, and it might not make any difference since you already have OEM roller lifters. However, many folks also make other changes at the same time, like switching to 1.6 ratio rockers as part of an upgrade, and that might make a difference in pushrod length.

I also had to buy a pushrod length checking tool and a better valve spring compressor to remove and replace my new dual valve springs when I checked the length, which were costs I not figured in ahead of time for the conversion.

I read several articles about roller rockers, and finally decided to buy Summit brand stainless steel full roller rockers, since they were a little cheaper than aluminum. However, the price point seems to change frequently. I also lubricated and checked each rocker for good movement, and found one that I had to pull off the roller snap ring and reseat it so that it moved well.

Bruce

 

[Ronno6]

I think you are right, and it might not make any difference since you already have OEM roller lifters. However, many folks also make other changes at the same time, like switching to 1.6 ratio rockers as part of an upgrade, and that might make a difference in pushrod length.

I also had to buy a pushrod length checking tool and a better valve spring compressor to remove and replace my new dual valve springs when I checked the length, which were costs I not figured in ahead of time for the conversion.

I read several articles about roller rockers, and finally decided to buy Summit brand stainless steel full roller rockers, since they were a little cheaper than aluminum. However, the price point seems to change frequently. I also lubricated and checked each rocker for good movement, and found one that I had to pull off the roller snap ring and reseat it so that it moved well.

Bruce

Are trunion style rockers much better than stamped steel,OEM style ball pivot roller versions?

 

[Rusty Nail]

Yes

 

[75gmck25]

Roller rockers have lower friction, which can reduce engine temp a little and provide additional durability under higher load. In some cases they might provide a little better performance, but I think that may be more due to other improvements in the rocker geometry or design.

I replaced a relatively stock flat tappet cam with a little more aggressive retro-fit roller cam, and I'm interesting in durability and longevity. I used only a 213/217 @ .050 cam, but also used stainless steel full roller rockers, upgraded timing cover with an adjustable cam button, double roller cam chain, and other parts that I think will keep the engine reliable. I want to be able to run it hard (mostly due to carrying heavy loads) and not worry about anything breaking.

Bruce

 

[idahovette]

Are trunion style rockers much better than stamped steel,OEM style ball pivot roller versions?

Big difference between full roller rockers and roller tip rockers

 

[Ronno6]

Big difference between full roller rockers and roller tip rockers

Good 2 know. Are there good ones and bad ones?? (full roller rockers, that is...)