What do roller rocker arms do?

Most rocker arms are designed to increase the lift of the cam by having a positive ratio. Rocker arms are commonly designed to increase lift at the valve by about 1.3 to 1.6 times the lift at the cam.

1. Do roller rocker arms increase horsepower?
2. What is the benefit of roller rockers?
3. Do roller rocker arms make a difference?
4. What happens when a rocker arm goes bad?
5. How much HP do roller lifters add?
6. Do roller rockers improve performance?
7. Do roller rockers make noise?
8. Can you put roller rockers on stock heads?
9. Does 1.6 rockers increase horsepower?
10. Can you use roller rockers with hydraulic lifters?
11. What is better flat-tappet or roller?
12. How long do roller rockers last?
13. Can I drive with bad rocker arms?
14. Can rocker arm cause knocking?
15. What do bad rocker arms sound like?

Do roller rocker arms increase horsepower?

For engine applications that demand a step up, replacing the stock stamped or cast steel rockers with aluminum roller rockers will typically produce a gain of 10 to 15 hp with the same lift ratio, and even more of a power gain with a higher lift ratio.

What is the benefit of roller rockers?

A more obvious benefit of installing roller rockers is that of reduced friction and wear. The stock rockers slide over the end of the valve stem putting a considerable amount of side pressure on the stem. This creates friction and wears the stem and guide.

Do roller rocker arms make a difference?

Besides the potential power benefits of an increase in rocker ratio, roller rockers have several additional power-adding advantages compared with a stamped rocker. The advertised ratio of aftermarket roller-tip rockers is more accurate than the claimed ratio of typical stock stamped rockers.

What happens when a rocker arm goes bad?

When the rocker arms are completely worn out then the engine will suffer to the point of stalling while driving and if you don't replace the rocker arm a time will come when engine will not even start until you replace the damaged rocker arm.

How much HP do roller lifters add?

Roller lifters are exactly what they sound like, as there are literally little wheels attached to the ends of the lifters. The biggest benefit from this roller system is the reduced friction between the lifter and the camshaft, and this can be an easy 15-horsepower by itself.

Do roller rockers improve performance?

Roller rockers make power two ways. First, a rollerized rocker fulcrum reduces energy losses from mechanical friction in the drivetrain, freeing up horsepower. ... At the same 6,000-rpm peak, we made 401.1 hp and 412.9 lb-ft of torque, a gain of 11.2 hp and 5.9 lb-ft of torque.

Do roller rockers make noise?

Roller rocker can make noise. I have Comp Cams ultra gold rockers, and it sounds like a sewing machine. +1. my crane rollers sound like my grandmothers singer sewing machine after the motor is up to temp.

Can you put roller rockers on stock heads?

You might consider the CompCams roller tip rockers designed to be used with the stock Ford heads. Most other full up roller rockers require the screw-in studs. I had the CompCams units on my 302 until my recent rebuild and on my 351W right now. They never gave problems and provided a 1.6 lift ratio.

Does 1.6 rockers increase horsepower?

Those results found the 1.6 rockers making more than 20 hp over the stock 1.5 rockers. But, that engine was equipped with a smaller cam than this one, and it seemed to really need the additional lift and duration afforded by the higher ratio.

Can you use roller rockers with hydraulic lifters?

The two don't necessarily need to be used together. Roller camshafts and lifters can be used in an engine that features nonroller rockers; by the same token, roller rocker arms can be used in an engine that features a flat-tappet solid or hydraulic camshaft.

What is better flat-tappet or roller?

The flat-tappet cam lobe is more pointed at peak lift, while the roller cam nose tends to be rounded; this means the roller is holding the valve open at higher lift for a longer period of time, which results in a greater fuel/air charge. The lobe shape also opens the valve much faster.

How long do roller rockers last?

Used on a daily driven engine with a stock valvetrain, the rockers will last approximately 20,000-30,000 miles with regular oil changes. Since you run your engines for 250,000-plus miles, you would end up replacing aluminum rockers quite often.

Can I drive with bad rocker arms?

With broken or loose rocker arms, the exhaust valves and intake valves can't function correctly and the cylinder associated with the faulty rocker arm will be disabled. This will ultimately limit the performance of your engine and your ability to drive the car smoothly and safely.

Can rocker arm cause knocking?

If your rocker arms are faulty, your engine will keep jerking at intervals as you drive. With time, when the rocker arms can't function anymore, it will lead to engine knocking out. ... So if the valves do not open and close at appropriate times, it causes the engine to misfire.

What do bad rocker arms sound like?

If you hear a clicking or ticking noise when you start your engine, a worn rocker arm might be the problem. ... If you hear a clicking or ticking noise and suspect a broken rocker arm listen to see if the noise is coming from the top of the engine. If it's a V-shaped engine, the noise will only be coming from one side.