When are roller rockers really necesary?

Discussion in 'Street/strip 400/430/455' started by David Butts, Apr 26, 2009.

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  1. David Butts

    David Butts Gold Level Contributor

    I bet this has been covered a million times already but I'll ask again anyway.

    At what lift/duration/lbs spring rate is it totally necesary to switch from stock rockers to rollers?

    I'm betting there are a few motors running really big cams with good condition(new)stockers with adjustable pushrods out there.

    I have rollers with the prerequisite alum/tall valve covers on my current motor but I'm thinking on my next build to go for the stock look. Allthough a painted SP1 probably will not pass for stock:Do No: . JK

    Generally I've been told that it's the lift and higher spring rates that are the culprit here. The rockers don't see as high of stresses from being opened longer as much as the angularity involved with being opened farther.

    Now if someone would just make a roller tipped stock replacement(Hi Comp Cams)out of chromoly or uh, Titanium? Yeah theat would be cheaper?:eek2:

    :3gears:
     
  2. Jeremy McNicol

    Jeremy McNicol We had a good time

    While were at it anybody know how long adjustable push rods will last
     
  3. 69GS400s

    69GS400s ...my own amusement ride!

    I do a bit of error / failure analysis at work (not car related) and I just dont understand the logic of ADDING 16 additional, independant points of possible failure to a system when you really get nothing in return.

    If you motor is set up properly and all your valve stem heights are the same or very close, then I personally think the only time an adjustable pushrod should be used is to find out what length pushrod you need for your combo ... and then order the correct length solid rod from TA or elsewhere.

    I've seen them break more than once ... seen them come undone ... and I just dont understand why :Do No:
     
  4. Schurkey

    Schurkey Silver Level contributor

    They used to run NASCAR races on stock-type rockers. Of course, they threw 'em away after each race. So, "totally necesary" is a matter of opinion; and includes your expectation for service life.

    Absolutely right.
     
  5. stage11's

    stage11's Well-Known Member

    I've seen them break more than once ... seen them come undone ... and I just dont understand why :Do No:[/quote]

    I've had 2 failures with adjustables, and everything was dialed in just right
    Both times, 1 tip let go....:af:
     
  6. DaWildcat

    DaWildcat Platinum Level Contributor

    I had very good luck with adjustable pushrods, but they were the solid design (no oil hole) so the tips were probably a bit stronger than the later design.

    Devon
     
  7. David Butts

    David Butts Gold Level Contributor

    I appreciate the info and recomendations on the pushrods but I'd still like some solid answers regarding the stock style rockers. Just for general knowledge.

    thx
     
  8. Jim Weise

    Jim Weise EFI/DIS 482

    Honestly, I would tell you that roller rockers are needed for solid lifter cams, or real big hydraulics. And of course the solid lifter roller cam stuff. You have to have them to set valve lash.

    Generally..

    Over .550 lift and or valve springs with 320 lbs or more on the nose of the lobe, or with any solid flat tappet or roller valvetrain should have a roller rocker.

    Probably 80% of truely streetable BBB builds don't require roller rockers. While they are an excellent durablity item, and make fine tuning adustments possible, I have told more than 1 customer to sell the rollers, and spend the money on head porting..

    And I never recommend 1.65 rollers on a hydraulic cam. TA does make a nice 1.55 roller rocker that I use on the bigger hydraulic cam motors. That's the TA cams, 290H and bigger..

    JW
     
  9. David Butts

    David Butts Gold Level Contributor

    Thank you Jim, As always an informative and honest answer. Shame you are so far from here. I'd be a pest at your shop if you were closer till my motor was done. :grin:
     
  10. Jeremy McNicol

    Jeremy McNicol We had a good time


    The reason there in my motor is because I didn't do my homework.

    I agree, and they come out this season.

    Cam is under a 490 lift. How long will they last?
    Anybody need a tool to check length?
     

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