Anybody ever REALLY swap rocker arms around on a dyno to see if there was any REAL horsepower to be gained? Same ratio now , just standard vs. roller tip vs. full roller. I really don't believe the manufacturers claims...Anybody with first hand experience?

I've seen claims of up to 40hp increase...no way, I'd be willing to bet that if you keep it under 6000 rpm there is no improvement of roller tip,full roller over stock rocker arms.

Actually that was my first real controlled test with a BBC. Back in 1997 tested factory versus 1.72 CC roller tips...Nothing absolutely no change at all over 8 race days and at least 40 passes.

Stock stamped versus rollers, I agree with Bob no change until over 6000 RPM and even that is up for debate.

If you are using a roller cam with any kind of aggressive lobe it is a very good idea. But don't expect any bolt-on improvements when using a flat tappet cam.

I have used several sets of full alum roller rockers and can say one thing about them.... With a mechanical cam they are simply easier to adjust.They dont have as much lateral slop as does a stock rockers...past that I certinally couldnt say there was any HP difference.

I suspect it is very dependant on valve spring pressure. Stiff springs would probably benefit more from the full rollers. I've also heard that full roller rockers will drop oil temp because of less friction at the ball 'n pivot. I bought a set hoping that's true...I guess I'll find out next summer!

There must be SOME benefit to full roller rockers, if GM will spend the money to stick 'em in production cars.

Tom,good info graemlins/thumbsup.gif
Hot Rod built a 496,and they saw a 4 hp increase over stock stamped rockers when they changed over to full rollers.All the more reason to keep your stock rockers unless,as Tom pointed out,cam timing gets out of the "mild" category,which would be in my mind,anything over .580 lift or has crazy spring pressures.

Yes Chris,

I remember reading that test, but could not recall the numbers, just remember that they were negligible and in my opinion not conclusive enough.

My buddy has had those roller tips breaking in the motor in his truck.

Probably the biggest gain is from the more accurate ratios on the rollers. Factory rockers are notorious for being very inaccurate (usually in the 1.42-1.45:1 range for a SBC). Rollers are much more precise. Aftermarket stock type rockers are probably much more accurate than factory units, so that advantage is moot when using aftermarket stock type rockers.

The rollers advantage shows up in very high lift and high rpm use. The pivot ball has a sliding contact with the rocker, creating heat and can lead to galling and burning up the rocker in the above situation. In high rpm or extremely high lift situaions, rollers are an excellent durability item.