MP Rockers or Aftermarket Roller ?

[scott313]

I have a 440 (9.7:1) Edelbrock Heads and CompCam 488/491 230/236 (@ 50) 727 and 3.55 rear. I can either go with the stock MP rockers and shafts (1.5) or with either Crane's Aluminum Roller or Comp Cams Pro Magnum Roller (both 1.5).

This is a street vehicle (73 Charger) which will see occasional strip fun. Any recomendations would be helpful. Thanks!

[rumblefish360]

From the bin there camp.

The MoPar rockers (Stock) should be swapped out for the MP parts rockers at a min. There cheap @ about $80.
The HD hyd. arms are thicker in the pushrod area. I believe the ratio is a more truer (? grammer) 1.5 ratio.
MoPar sells Crane roller rockers under there own name.
The Comp rockers, in which I have for my small block are just fine. They come complete minus the hold downs. For that, I used the MoPar billet peices.
For about the $300 asking price, it's not a bad deal.

[6 packin]

If for street, I would reccomend going with Ductile rockers in place of the Aluminum rollers. Comps makes a Roller tip Ductile rocker set but kinda $$ if you know what I mean. Shafts and all will cost near $500. But I bet they would last a life time. I am running a set of Isky Ductiles and no problems yet!

[Mr.Abuse]

I Use The M/P's Stock Style..509 Cam And 7 Yrs, No Problems..

[charger_dan]

Run the ductile iron adjustables. Brand isn't that important, as they're all
made by one or two foundries anyway.

PROS of ductile iron rockers:
- Bulletproof construction, minimal flex
- More accurate ratio than OEM stamped rockers (but not as good as rollers)
- Don't have to use the hardened rocker shafts - OEMs will do fine (if in good shape)
- Price, when compared to roller rockers

CONS:
- Heaviest of the 3 designs

Roller rockers, while pretty to look at, really aren't the hot ticket on a street motor.
The hp gain isn't worth the extra outlay of cash required for rollers.
If you go with ductile, check the inner shaft bore for smoothness, and dress
any burrs around the oil holes.

[moparmotorman]

i've got ductile rockers on my T/A heads, i was told you need to use the "bannana groove" rocker shafts with the ductile rockers. true or not ??

[scott313]

Thanks for all the input.

Edelbrock only recommends the use of an adjustable rocker arm. They also only recommend steel since in their opinion the aluminum will not withstand street use.

[rumblefish360]

scott313; That statement is no loner true with todays designs in rocker arms. The right rocker should be looked at, not just any rocker. Aluminum can be made to last and last.


moparmotorman; No, but it would just be better if you did.

[6 packin]

I bananna grooved my own rocker shafts. Just pick up a small chain saw file and go to town. Just take some time afterwords to roll the edges and polish the work with some fine sand paper.