Aluminum Roller Rocker ARM

[pgriffith]

www.3800performance.com sells a Aluminum Lightweight rocker arm. I know we have talked about different ratio's and how a cam is better but I am talking about a aluminum Rocker arm with the same 1.6 ratio and a comp cam.

1) Compared to stock or modified stock rocker arms, INTENSE™ full rollers weigh 28% less, resulting in significantly less rotating mass.
2) Reduced weight reduces valvespring stress.
3) Built-in roller bearings reduce power-robbing friction at the valve tips.
4) Roller tips also reduce valve side loads by reducing friction on the valve tips.

Think this would improve performance. I know what you all are going to say, $500 is not worth 5-6HP and I know this. But how much do you think it would really help?

[Arctc Wolf]

I consider this to be more of a reliability mod than a power mod. The stock rockers flex a lot, altering the lift multiplication, lowering the total amout of lift achieved. basically, you'll be able to rev higher with less worry about valve float, you'll get a few hp/tq out of it, and you'll rev a little quicker and will feel better overall. When doing this as well as installing a cam, lightweight retainers should be considered as well as stiffer and lighter springs. Usually, the only way to get everything lightened is to get titanium valvesprings and retainers, so the price will be a bit steep. All this is up to you how far you wanna go w/ your engine.

[navyblue2000]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Arctc Wolf:
I consider this to be more of a reliability mod than a power mod. The stock rockers flex a lot, altering the lift multiplication, lowering the total amout of lift achieved. basically, you'll be able to rev higher with less worry about valve float, you'll get a few hp/tq out of it, and you'll rev a little quicker and will feel better overall. When doing this as well as installing a cam, lightweight retainers should be considered as well as stiffer and lighter springs. Usually, the only way to get everything lightened is to get titanium valvesprings and retainers, so the price will be a bit steep. All this is up to you how far you wanna go w/ your engine.<hr></blockquote>

what?

aluminum is lighter, but also flexes more. it's not any more reliable. if you're going to go aluminum, make the 500 bucks worth it and get the higher ratio

[m.malloy]

get with zooomer over at clubgp. tons of guys are running 1.8/1.85 rockers in there l36 motor with no other mods. stock srpings and everything. they have been dyno @13rwhp and tey should drop .2 tenths in te 1/4.. i already have mine on order

[pgriffith]

Higher ratio is not what Im looking for. Above I mentioned I will be using a comp cam. High ratio will not work with the comp cam.

[Dominic]

Rather than spend so much on rockers you might want to turn to compcams and ask them if they can supply you with a comperable set. I remember Grand Prix Store sold some T&D rockers for $650 (yow) that were really nice.

The intense rockers are excellent rockers - but they might not be worth the overall price. 1.6:1 is perfect with a high lift cam, you only want to experiment with rocker ratio changes if you are planning on staying with the stock cam.

Not to mention a properly equipped 3800-II with a cam, stock heads, and good rockers will produce 45 to 50hp, while just a swap in rockers might only net you 13-15hp.

[ August 02, 2002: Message edited by: Dominic ]</p>

[Arctc Wolf]

solid aluminum rockers flex less than the stock stamped rockers.

[Brian Dieckman]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Arctc Wolf:
solid aluminum rockers flex less than the stock stamped rockers.<hr></blockquote>

True.

Solid aluminium rockers actually have quite a bit more material in them. They also disapate heat better.

-Brian

[JAM]

If it has less friction + less weight it will give you more hp. It may not be much, but you should see some hp increase.

Even if it doesn't your saving a bit of weight on moving parts wich is always a plus, and less friction means that it will last longer.

Let us know if you try it, and what you felt the results were that you got from doing it.

If this topic is of intrest you may want to check into other brand names such as Crane Gold Race Rockers, and Harland Sharp rockers. I have heard they are very good. Best of luck!!

[pgriffith]

Yea I decided the Intense were a bit expensive. I have now looked into the comp cams roller rockers. I think I will try those. They are $280 which is much cheaper than intense.

[Magnus]

I highly doubt they will work.. as I said before we have offset rockers... meaning the rocker mount is not directly in between the pushrod and the valve stem.

If you want aftermarket RR's, go with the Intense ones. It's pretty much your only choice.

[pgriffith]

OFset rockers? So the compcam rockers are not offset? And the intense rockers are? Is this right magnus?

So what would happen if I used the rocker that is not offset?

[Magnus]

If you don't use the correct rocker, the roller tip on the valve stem end won't line up with the valve stem evenly,. you might be pushing on the retainer more than the valve stem.. not good at all.