LS-1 stamped rocker in early small block

[Jerry G.]

I'm in discussion with a cam supplier and in the course of discussion about stamped rocker life they suggested I switch from a standard nitrated stamped rocker to an over the GM counter LS-1 rocker. They claim its built to higher quality standards than any aftermarket rocker. This is racing applicatioin so rocker life is important. First; will an LS-1 go on an early 292 head setup and second has anyone succesfully done this?

[Clem Z.]

Re: LS-1 stamped rocker in early small block

I'm in discussion with a cam supplier and in the course of discussion about stamped rocker life they suggested I switch from a standard nitrated stamped rocker to an over the GM counter LS-1 rocker. They claim its built to higher quality standards than any aftermarket rocker. This is racing applicatioin so rocker life is important. First; will an LS-1 go on an early 292 head setup and second has anyone succesfully done this?

LS engine rocker arms have a 1.7 rocker ratio and to use them i think you would have to move the stud location as they did using BBC rockers on SBC. why can't you use the roller rocker that were used on LT-4 engines as they were std equiptment ???

[Clem Z.]

Re: LS-1 stamped rocker in early small block

LS engine rocker arms have a 1.7 rocker ratio and to use them i think you would have to move the stud location as they did using BBC rockers on SBC. why can't you use the roller rocker that were used on LT-4 engines as they were std equiptment ???

when using stamped steel rocker make sure you have plenty of oil getting to the rockers. do you see any bluing of the broken rockers as this means you need more oil to them to keep them cool because if they are getting hot they will loose strength. i would use the lightest valves you can find and use beehive type springs because they need less tension to control valve float.

[Jim L.]

Re: LS-1 stamped rocker in early small block

why can't you use the roller rocker that were used on LT-4 engines as they were std equiptment ???

Jerry's racing application requires stamped rockers, per vintage rules. No roller tip rockers, no roller trunnion rockers. Just 1955-tech stamped rockers. Oh, and 7500 RPM would be nice, too.

Jim

[Joe L.]

Re: LS-1 stamped rocker in early small block

Jerry's racing application requires stamped rockers, per vintage rules. No roller tip rockers, no roller trunnion rockers. Just 1955-tech stamped rockers. Oh, and 7500 RPM would be nice, too.

Jim

Jim------


I can't imagine that LS-1 rocker arms would work on a Gen I or Gen II small block. But, even if they will, they are investment cast, not stamped steel, and have some sort of "roller" trunnion.

[Jim L.]

Re: LS-1 stamped rocker in early small block

Jim------


I can't imagine that LS-1 rocker arms would work on a Gen I or Gen II small block. But, even if they will, they are investment cast, not stamped steel, and have some sort of "roller" trunnion.

Thanks, Joe. I was aware that LS-7 rockers have roller trunnions, but didn't know about other LS engines. I sent Jerry a suggestion regarding a rules-compliant rocker arm that will likely survive the RPM he needs to turn.

Jim

[Jerry G.]

Re: LS-1 stamped rocker in early small block

when using stamped steel rocker make sure you have plenty of oil getting to the rockers. do you see any bluing of the broken rockers as this means you need more oil to them to keep them cool because if they are getting hot they will loose strength. i would use the lightest valves you can find and use beehive type springs because they need less tension to control valve float.

Part of my problem was self inflicted,as usual, I had restictors left in the oiling system from when it was dry sump and the lifters were a design that only oiled part time. This has been fixed and there now is plenty of oil. The other part of the problem was that I had too much lift(.610). This is the reason i'm talking to a cam supplier

[Duke W.]

Re: LS-1 stamped rocker in early small block

Did they by chance mean LT1 (circa 1991) rockers. Maybe they were better than previous stamped designs (?).

The LT4 used (I think Crane) roller tip rockers.

Duke

[Joe L.]

Re: LS-1 stamped rocker in early small block

Did they by chance mean LT1 (circa 1991) rockers. Maybe they were better than previous stamped designs (?).

The LT4 used (I think Crane) roller tip rockers.

Duke

Duke-----


Yes, the 1992-96 LT1 rockers are adaptable to any Gen I small block. In fact, they were also used in PRODUCTION on 1987-91 L98 and have been SERVICE for all 1955-86 small blocks for many years. These are stamped steel rockers with GUIDED type design (tough to use on any mechanical lifter engine due to lash measuring difficulty).

The 1996 LT4 rockers were cast aluminum with roller tip and roller trunnion. They were manufactured by Crane.

[Jerry G.]

Re: LS-1 stamped rocker in early small block

Duke-----


Yes, the 1992-96 LT1 rockers are adaptable to any Gen I small block. In fact, they were also used in PRODUCTION on 1987-91 L98 and have been SERVICE for all 1955-86 small blocks for many years. These are stamped steel rockers with GUIDED type design (tough to use on any mechanical lifter engine due to lash measuring difficulty).

The 1996 LT4 rockers were cast aluminum with roller tip and roller trunnion. They were manufactured by Crane.

So for my mechanical lifter application these LT-1 would not be a good fit?? Is that correct?

[Duke W.]

Re: LS-1 stamped rocker in early small block

Correct. You can't use a "guided" rocker arm with mechanical lifters.

Given the reduced lift and required spring force, I don't think you'll have any more rocker problems.

The Crower catalog is on line and has spring requirements for all cams, but you can use any spring, including a beehive type, that has the same or similar specs.

Duke

[Joe L.]

Re: LS-1 stamped rocker in early small block

So for my mechanical lifter application these LT-1 would not be a good fit?? Is that correct?

Jerry------


In my opinion, the best rocker arms of the stock, standard stamped steel type are the Crane Nitro-Carb rockers. However, I don't know if they're part of the product line of the "New Crane" company.