High-Ratio Rockers with Stock heads

[saltnvinegar6287]

I did many searches and found a great deal of information on higher-ratio rockers, what they do, different kinds, etc. I plan on getting a whole new exhaust first, but would I see much HP increases with 1.8/1.9 Rockers, still using the stock heads, or would I need to get my heads ported/new heads to notice any more airflow?

Thanks in advance!

[98Camaro3.8]

On a stock cam, you won't need new heads. You may see a 10 hp gain or so, but nothing incredible. Not really worth it for the price, IMO.

[GPFish]

15.5 - 15.1 with just ER rockers. No other mods. Id say they were worth it.

[grayman]

I went with the rockers to upgrade valvetrane with out opening up my 7000 mile engine. They do add HP. They are much easier than gutting the internals for a cam swap. They are expensive when you get done adding new springs and spring tools and stuff. You have a '96 car. If I had a higher mileage engine I would have gone with cam over rockers and also done the timing chain, pushrods, springs, etc at the same time to refresh the engine.

Alluminum rockers also have reduced mass.
They do (like most other mods) compliment improved intake and exaust. But, no...you don't need new or reworked heads to benifit. Just maybe think about how many miles are on the engine and what your ultimate goal is. If you think that one day you MIGHT put in a big Naturally Aspirated cam then definatly don't do high ratio rockers. (not very compatible with high lift cam)

they are not worth paying somebody else hundreds of dollars to put them in on top of the purchase price for rockers and springs...that is for sure.