High Ratio Rockers

[Shodown]

How much of a horse power gain would I generally get from intsalling high ratio rockers and new valve springs on a car that only has headers, exhaust and 160 thermostat? I am sure there is no concrete number but a ball park figure is all I am looking for.

[98Camaro3.8]

I'd quess somewhere around 10 hp.

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I noticed your profile says you enjoy flying. Are you a pilot?

[Shodown]

Sorry, I'm still new to this site and didnt know about the search option. Thanks for the response though, I will check it out. And yes, I am just about to take my check-ride for my private pilot's license. Do you fly or are you a pilot? I am competing for a pilot slot in the Air Force right now while I'm in ROTC.

[98Camaro3.8]

Yes, I'm currently a CFI. 2 more flights until the CFII checkride.

Good luck on your checkride. Let us know how it goes. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[grayman]

I would guess 10 hp as well. a solid 10 at least considering your headers. you can feel the extra pulling from about 4000rpm and up with stock exhaust. when i did the full 3" exhaust cnversion that '4000 rpm' powerband when away and the car was just faster all the time. that is why i say at least 10 hp.

they are easier and less invasive than a cam and also dont require tuning but they are pretty pricey.

don't do it if you think you might do a cam in the future.

not worth th emoney if you have to pay to have them installed...that is for sure.

[Shodown]

Well, thats just it. My speed shop has a cam/valvetrain package that they promise 30-35 hp. Problem is that it is $700 for parts and $1000 for labor. I can install the rockers and new springs myself which might be worth the cost for 10 hp, just not sure if I want to pay $1000 more for another 20 hp with the cam intsall.

[grayman]

yep, it gets pricey.
That is why i waited to find a used powerdyne S/C. Well, i could do the cam myself but the car only had 7000 miles on it when i bought it. i just don't feel like cracking the engine open so soon.

for a couple hundred more (as compared to $1700 for parts and labor for the cam) yo can add 60 RWHP with a 6 psi super charger. Also, the price of the cam package/labor most likly does not involve PCM tuning. Maybe some other cam guru's can confirm the 30-35 HP estimate from that shop for just a cam. That seems a little high if you don't have headers and actermarket exhaust let alone port and polished intack/heads. Sometimes cams only add 15 HP. Most important, maybe read up on some cam threads to find out about tuning requirements. sometimes it is mandatory and sometimes you can get by without.

If you have access to an air compressor is the best way to change valve springs while the heads are still on the car. (air hold fitting)

[Shodown]

I am actually planning on installing a sc as well. Probably with an 8 psi pulley, which is why I am on a tighter budget when it comes to the valve train. I also am in the process of getting headers and new exhaust.
The cam kit was new rockers, springs, cam, valves, pushrods and that is why they told me 30 hp. Not just from the cam alone. I have pretty much decided to go with just the high ratio rockers and sc then do a cam, port/polish the heads at the same time later on. Thanks for your help and opinion. By the way, your website kicks as*! It is so helpful for guidelines on installations and mods.

Matt, thanks for the encouragement on my checkride, I will definately let you know how it goes. Might be awhile though 'cause weather here in NE sucks right now...

[UpOnGaMe]

Shodown i notice your in omaha i am sationd in wichita kansas you know any good places's for car mod like i am really thinking of the high ratio rockers as well but i feel i can get a better deal on install out in the country?

[Shodown]

Are you asking me if its better in small town shops or telling me? I am confused on your question. I talked to some of the small town shops and they didnt want anything to do with swappig a cam cuz it was too much hassle. The only shop I know will do it is HP Motorsport because they will provide the parts as well.