Rockers

[cady75]

Hey, can anyone explain how a better set of rockers will improve HP? My buddy says something to the effect that reduced friction and higher spring pressure help HP. I thought that better rockers were used just for not being the limiting factor in a build up (stronger). I just went for a new cam from MTS but can't see the advantage in better rockers without there being something wrong with them as is. I got the #15 grind., which I think is pretty heavy duty for street use. Thanks

[zonie77]

The only way rockers make MORE power is if the ratio is greater or if they use rollers.

The factory rockers are usually a little under on ratio. Not a lot but they keep them on the low side. Aftermarket are usually right on. This is a really small difference, but will give a few HP.

The rockers have nothing to do with spring tension. That is 100% in the spring.

[terrible one]

The stock rockers won't hold up when you get into the higher rpm's, huge cams, etc. Your buddy is talking about a good set of roller rockers reducing friction and freeing up some power. I doubt it would be noticeable on the butt dyno though. I don't know the specifics on the MTS 15 grind cam, but you might want to ask Al about the stock rockers and your current combo. However, many have given the stockers a beating without having them come apart.

[cady75]

Thanks, the rockers were a higher ratio , I think 1.75? compared to stock 1.6? Probably not worth the money at this point.

[burnrubber]

The stock rockers are also held on by steel clips which tend to break on high perf. engines.

[BluEyes]

Yeah, the stockers are a pretty wussy design for higher RPM. Caddy only cammed the car for 4000rpm, so why spend the money on better rockers? I dunno...

The way rockers make power is primarily as part of a package - ie: bigger cam with longer duration for higher RPM. To keep the valves controlled at higher RPM you need stiffer valvesprings (that's how the springs make HP). While most stock rocker setups are up to the higher spring pressures (to a point), ours are NOT...

Full roller rockers can make about 10hp or so (that's a WAG) due to reduced friction.

If you are intending to rev your Caddy up a bunch, I would invest in an upgraded set of rockers simply for reliabilitys sake.

[terrible one]

I completely agree with BluEyes.

Get some rockers like mine

[caddydaddy]

Very nice! Who makes those? I just have shaft mounted rockers from MTS on my 472. I would like rollers, someday.

[terrible one]

Originally Posted by caddydaddy

Very nice! Who makes those? I just have shaft mounted rockers from MTS on my 472. I would like rollers, someday.

Richard Potter from cadillacperformanceparts.com offers them for a great price. I think I paid about $600 for the set. (Not on the website though)