Hello folks, after a long break from working my Olds I am back at it. I have a 1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass S with a 455 out of a 1968 Toronado. I just installed a 260H comp cam and I was considering using the stock rocker arms, replace the stock rocker arms, or get roller tip rockers. Has any one had any luck with the Roller tip rockers? Are they worth the change? Also is there a significant difference going from the stock 1.5 ratio to the after market 1.6? I am not heavily into speed anymore but if there is a significant difference between one or the another I wouldn't mind a few more horses out of the motor. Thanks folks for any help and advice.

 

As far as I know stock Olds is 1.6 ratio. I've used Ford roller Rockers (PRW).

 

The 1.6 ratio roller-tip rocker reduces sliding friction, which cuts oil temperature slightly.

That type of rocker also cuts the side load on the valve stem, which reduces valve guide wear.

Neither of these is of critical importance for a low-mile, non-performance engine.

Whichever you choose will give satisfactory results in your situation.

 

I have changed to roller tips ( and destr.pushrods from D.Miller ) on a low compr G headet 455 with a 260H- intake and headers ....and i can say you : you feel it .

10+ hp and low friction
Don´t forget the short poly locks if you stock covers-CCA-4601-16

 

Cool, thank you all for your responses. I'll probably stay with the stock type rockers since the total with everything I am going to need is going higher that expected.

 

I have always gotten good performance from stock rockers even with high performance cams.

 

Then you have no clue about production tolerances or reliability.

The factory can very precisely control the dimensions and tolerances of the engine and valvetrain on the assembly line. This eliminates the need for adjustability. By designing the valvetrain to be fixed at one "adjustment" dimension, there is no concern about the adjusters backing off or some ham-fisted "mechanic" adjusting them incorrectly. The car runs fine and warranty recalls or customer complaints are significantly reduced. Solid lifters were never a factory option, so there was no need for adjustability.

 

And you really think that automakers care about this when they are designing parts to maximize profits on the sale of new cars?

News flash: since solid lifters have pretty much vanished from new cars, no one uses adjustable valvetrains anymore. Chevy LS motors don't have adjustability. The last pushrod SBFs weren't adjustable. Gen III Hemi rockers aren't adjustable.

Should I go on?

 

Hi Tom, welcome back to the site it was good meet you at the Corvette show. There are plus's and negatives about both types of rockers assy's. The ease of maint of the stock type and then the flexibility of the adjustable type for additional performance. You both have good points for the different applications pertaining to Olds engines.

 

Sorry I mentioned it.

 

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