best adjustable rocker small block

[djwhog]

What is the best adjustable rocker arm out there? Are the crane iron 1.5s good or is there a better one to use? I know I want to stay with the 1.5 ratio, and I have heard some reliability issues with some of the aluminum roller rocker models.

Also is there any HP to be gained in this area?

This is going on a 416 stroker with a mech cam. I'm at a 1.7 installed height with spring seats, dual springs and .100 longer valves.

Intake Duration at 050 inch Lift: 248
Exhaust Duration at 050 inch Lift: 258
Duration at 050 inch Lift: 248 int./258 exh.
Advertised Intake Duration: 284
Advertised Exhaust Duration: 294
Advertised Duration: 284 int./294 exh.
Intake Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio: 0.540 in.
Exhaust Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio: 0.560 in.


Thanks!

[dwc43]

The best rocker is the Harland Sharp aluminum roller rockers. I've had one set for years with no problems at all. Make sure to order there whole package with shafts if you use them. Since your staying with 1.5 ratio there is no real hp gain, but lighter aluminum rockers allow a lighter spring to be used or higher rpm levels without floating the valves. Anything that you can do to remove weight from the valve train will allow this.

[sundrop_440]

I would suggest taking a look at the tech. article at (Hughes engines .com) they have a great piece about different materials, bearing types, etc. With that being said I would suggest their rockers as their setup kit is complete to do the job right and are strong stuff.Harland rockers are good but they are pricey and I think you can do just as good or better for cheaper, but read the article and decide for yourself, hope that helps, Sundrop.

[turbododge]

If you are not going roller (Harland Sharpe) you may want to talk to Rocker Arm Specialist. I just got a set from him and they are very well done. For me, he bushed a set of old MP ductile iron adjustables, added locknuts, and furnished undersize shafts, spacers, beefed up hold downs, etc. Excellent workmanship and it is really nice to have the bronze bushing, as non-bushed rockers gall very easily on a SB. If you don't have your own rockers to bush, he uses Crane castings and replaces the questionable adjusters.

[TK]

I have been very happy with Crane, but I also agree with dw, I have had a set of Harland Sharps for ten years, that has been on a few motors, and never had a problem.
I rather have iron though, I believe they would be a wee bit longer lasting.

[sanborn]

The ductile iron rockers are good, tough and economical. But, they do have some problems also. My experience with them is the rocker ratio varies a great deal(from about 1.38 to 1.51 to 1). And with high lift camshafts, the non roller tip does tend to put more side force on the valve guides that a rollerized tip does.

The aluminum rockers are more accurate ratio wise and do have a roller tip. They are really better for performance use. But price range varies a great amount----and you do get what you pay for. Aluminum does have a definite life span and will ultimately fail. But when is the question. Many people have used them on the street for years and if not stressed too much will continue to last for years.

I personally think the best rocker for high mileage street use is the stainless rocker. And there are several different brands to choose from.

[stroker mike]

comp cams pro magum steel rollers are excellent, have no needle bearings, just roller tips, with good logic behind this omission. I recommend you research them, they are great.

[mopar_nocar]

www.rockerarms.com

talk to blaine or gary.

sb

[turbododge]

I agree-that is Rocker Arm Specialist

[DartGT66]

I pretty much agree too. Depends of the use, but in most cases the iron rockers are stronger and more dependable than aluminum rockers. If I had a choice, I would use iron or steel roller rockers too, but there aren't any available. As far as the aluminum rockers go, I really have never realized the greatness of the Harlan Sharp rocker arms. I have had a set, and to me they look just about the same as any other rocker out there. They have a roller bearing against the stock diameter shaft, which should mean, that they actually have less material around the shaft at some points, than some other rockers sitting directly on the shaft, or using smaller diameter shafts. I have asked this before, but never gotten an answer. So, what makes the Harlan Sharps superior to for example dove style rockers, cranes etc? The design is about the same, and completely different from for example Jesels, T&D's or even Ersons? Is it the material, and why aren't the other using that superior material?

[Scremn]

I have had a set of 1.5 Crane ductile iron rocker arms on my small
block mopar for over 15 years. One of the adjusters broke last year
coming home from a car show. I go to alot of car shows and drive
to the Mopar Nationals every year.The trip to the nationals 40 miles
one way. I also spin my small block pretty hard.My car sees 7000 rpm
when I jump into it. I am pretty happy with them.I have had no issues
with valve adjustment.I check them once a summer and usually do not
have to make any adjustments.I am running bananna grove rocker arms
and feel they help with lubricating the rocker arms.I have not had any
experience with roller rocker arms,so I cannot comment about them.I
know alot of people use them and with no problems.Whether you use
iron adjustable or roller rocker arms, good luck with your build.Check
E-bay.I have seen some good deals and have also seen steel roller
rocker arms that are bushed so you can use your stock shafts.

[VPrace]

the banana grooves are a must!