1.5 roller rockers

[JTB]

Are full roller or roller tip rockers worth the price? I've read that they reduce friction and give a little extra horsepower but is it enough of a gain to be worth the cost? Anyone runnig a set? Thanks
Jeff

 

[Triaged]

They are kinda expensive. Around $200. There are many things that I would rather do with that kind of money. The difference is also only seen in the higher RPM range so it would not mean much most of the time. I would go with a cam or intake first (than again I still have the Cast Iron intake).

'71 Blazer CST with alot of rust

 

[MikeS]

I've got roller tipped rockers on mine. The price on them isn't too bad (compared to full rollers). Whether it's worth it or not? I couldn't say I just figured that anytime I could reduce some friction it would be a good thing. They definately weren't on the top of the list of things to put in when I rebuilt the engine, but since I had it apart anyway...couldn't hurt.

Mike

 

[Steve_Chin]

Hard to quantify "worth it." If you have a relatively stock valvetrain, they don't really do much other than reduce guide wear just a trace. If you have a mondo-lift, gonzo-RPM engine, they maintain geometry better because they don't flex and don't shift around a lot. They also reduce oil temperatures a little bit. The amount of friction reduction isn't worth talking about.

I don't have gonzo-RPM engines any more, but I run full rollers on all of my V8s. There's no real need for them, but I like to envision a reduction in guide wear over time.

Oh, they do make just a little more noise than the stock stamped steel rockers.