Hey All!
I've recently been wanting to upgrade my rocker arms to reduce some friction and maybe pick up a few ponies if possible. I was wondering however what ratio I am able to chose from. Someone told my that 1:6 is the standard ratio? And could I get away with a 1:7 ratio? Or would I have to worry about valve clearance at the ratio? Thanks!

 

Bump

 

1.6 is standard. You won't find many 1.7 sets advertised for Olds. 1.6's are only common because at that ratio Ford rockers are "close enough" to use on an Olds. Piston clearance depends entirely on the ramp profile on your cam, head gasket thickness, piston top profile, head deck height, etc. Is it a stock cam? If so, there's gobs of room. But, you should always check when doing something interesting. YMMV, no warranty expressed or implied, etc etc. But, changing to a 1.7 on a stock cam wouldn't do a whole heck of a lot, but there are worse things to spend money on. I'd double check for interference between pushrod and head as well.

Just changing the rockers won't give noticeable performance improvement, if even any measurable change. Remember to get correct length pushrods. The recommended length from the rocker manufacturer may - or more often, may not - be correct.

Most folks just put on the Comp Cams roller tip rockers. It's a cheap kit, but you get adjustability for a future camp upgrade. Throw away the pinch nuts and get poly locks. Also throw away the pushrods and get some decent quality correct length hardened pushrods.

Note that it's common for the poly lock and/or rocker to hit the valve covers. Usually a thicker or doubled valve cover gasket is sufficient. Get the shorty poly locks if you go that route.

IMO, it's better to wait until you do a cam upgrade, and install a valvetrain kit (including springs!) then. Nothing wrong with the stock rockers for a stock cam.

 

Ok Then, We'll I vastly appreciate the Info!