Removing roller rockers???

**Zedder** · #1 11-14-2013, 10:18 PM

A car that I am interested has the original motor, but the owner added roller rockers when he had it rebuilt. I've never dealt with anything but OEM rockers and wondered if removing these is as simple as replacing the push rods and rockers with a set of stock pieces? Can anyone shed some light on this for me please?

**luzl78** · #2 11-14-2013, 10:46 PM

What cam was used in the build?

TDW · #3 11-14-2013, 10:48 PM

Are they true roller rockers, or just roller tip rockers. Makes a big difference. If they are just roller tips, you can just swap them for regular stamped ones.

**Zedder** · #4 11-14-2013, 11:02 PM

I assume the stock L78 cam, but I will check. We first talked about the car about 10 years ago and I can't remember the details.

Tony, I'll have to ask as I have no idea. I asked why the valve covers were so tall and that's when he told me it had roller rockers...

Thanks for the responses guys!

**luzl78** · #5 11-15-2013, 12:03 AM

They're probably full rollers.

**Zedder** · #6 11-15-2013, 02:14 AM

If they are, is it a big deal to remove them?

**Salvatore** · #7 11-15-2013, 02:51 AM

just have to use an allen key to unlock the lock/jam nut in the center and then a 9/16th or 1/2" whatever the nut size is. Nothing special to do at all. Put your GM rockers on and adjust the valves. I am sure you saw roller rockers before but just forget.

**Zedder** · #8 11-15-2013, 03:23 AM

Thanks Sam. I only owned completely stock cars in the past so I have no experience with roller rockers. If I get the car finally, it would be great if I could just change out the rockers etc. without having to remove the heads.

**Salvatore** · #9 11-15-2013, 11:49 AM

You will not even have to take the push rods out. Roller rockers are nothing more than roller bearings on the tip (at valve) and the swivel (on the head). The ratio is pretty much dead on with very little friction which is what racers want. They are aluminum which makes the valve train even liter. Loosen the center nut and take them off and then replace with the original rocker arm ball and nut. IF they are roller tip (at the valve) and not roller at the swivel(head)I would leave them on. They WILL fit under the valve covers. I have Comp Cams roller tip rockers on my 1969 Z/28 since about 2000 when we did the motor. I am assuming its not a roller cam motor.

**scuncio** · #10 11-15-2013, 12:08 PM

Check the valve lift with a dial indicator before removing the rockers. If it's an aftermarket cam with ~.550" or greater lift the stock rocker slots may bind against the studs. Crane sells long slot stamped rockers to accommodate higher lift cams (and GM had a longer slot rocker, as well, but I can't remember what applications used them).

Like Sam mentioned...I would just keep them on the motor. You'll never see them anyway....

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