I need to replace a set of very worn stock rockers in my 383. I can buy a new set of stock rockers and run well. The other choice is to upgrade to roller. Does anyone have experience with any type and pros or cons. I know most will need ball and cup push rods, but any advise is helpful.
unless you are racing or running a high lift cam there isnt much benefit for the price imo.the biggest gain is from a true1.5 ratio.most stock rockers were less than the advertised ratio.switching to a 1.6 ratio will raise the lift and give the effect of a slightly larger cam.those gains will only be seen in the higher rpm ranges.if price is a consideration i would run the hd mopar stamped replacement rockers and some new shafts if yours are worn.if you are after performance gains per dollar spent i would put roller rockers at the bottom of the list on a street motor.i would rather run ported heads with stock rockers than stock heads with roller rockers.just my opinion.
Joined: Sun Feb 05 2006, 11:51PM
Location: Pa
Posts: 3064
I cut and pasted this from Mopar Action Online for you. They have the best tech Q&A around Hope it helps.....
Tech Question
One more for you: My 69 Road Runner is a 383 4speed,minor head work, headers, msd, mild cam, intake&carb. It is driven less than 2000 miles a year and never raced - it has 71000 org miles. Would you stay with the stock rocker assembly,or is there any benefit to going to roller tip-adjustable, since it's not ran hard? If so,which ones?
So long as the cam is hydraulic, isn't much over 0.520 lift, and you have't installed killer valve springs, the stock heavy-gauge stamped rockers (i.e., "six pack" rockers are about as good - and reliable - as it gets.
If the rockers have 71K on them, and may not be the thick-gauge one, you might wanna consdier slamming in a new set of those (from MP, under $100.)
<span class='smallblacktext'>[ Edited Fri May 26 2006, 08:41PM ]</span>
While you're at it,take out the pushrods and roll them down a piece of glass,as to check to see if any are bent at the same time the rockers are comming off.Rocker shaft position is very important.Glen
Joined: Sun Feb 05 2006, 11:51PM
Location: Pa
Posts: 3064
Anyone remember what size shim stock is supposed to be used under the rocker shafts to allow more revs? I saw it in a few Mopar mags years ago and it raises the shafts to keep the lifters from pumping up until the desired revs are reached.....
I've got .020s in mine also.Mancinni's sells them in a pkg.w/various thicknesses or go down to the hobby shop and buy .020 flat brass stock and drill and cut them like i did. When you tighten them down,they will conform to shape.This setup with the stockers should be good to 'bout 6500.Glen