Hello,

I'm planning on changing the rockers on my 385 stroker, currently running 1.5 ratio stock rockers, cam xe268 (lift .470 int, .480exh).

Would like to chg to 1.60 roller rockers, what are the good brands, type to get,i.e. comp magnum roller tips steel, or alum?
Should I get self aligning?
Do the std length push rods have to be changed when going to 1.60 ratio? What is the best recommendations for this engine?
Do the valve covers have to be changed to the taller version?

thanks Dave

You did not say if the vcover was center bolt. Some brands rockers dont fit as the vcover baffle is too wide to fit between the rockers. As for height, I think you will be ok as most aftermarket heads have taller cover rails.

You did not say if you had pushrod guide plates,, that determines if you need self aligning rockers.

As for brand,,, how much money you got should I ask? I use the magnums on stock finned vcovers and I have tall rail heads. I consider them good even though they have the ball pivot instead of roller bearing. I understand that the Pro Magnums may be a problem on some covers with the oil baffle as the bearing trunion shaft is too wide. I have seen some people running these vacumn cast Crane Energizers but I did not get a reply why I asked how they fit. If you have deep pockets , you could look into Titanium Pro Magums but I question this as I don't know your purpose of usage.
I know people run the Harland brand but I don't like them and have seen them crack under the arm radius. If I do this, I want to pay one time and be done with it.
As for push rods, now would be a good time to check with a checking tool. Good luck

valve covers are not center bolt, old stype, four bolts around outer edge
I have guide plates installed
like to keep it under 200, but want a decent set

I use Summit brand 1.6 roller tips. They work fine cost little.

I use Comp Magnums. They are nearly as light as aluminum at the tip and much stronger. My motor sees 7200 every pass and the rockers are the least of my problems - they always work.

I just bought the stainless steel 1.6's that have a narrow body.

Jim, summit roller tip'd...they're like stock ones, steel but with a roller tip, correct? Did you have to worry about the length of the push rods when going with the 1.6 ratio? will they fit with the stock valve covers as well? any alignment concerns? thanks again

Everyone has their opinion and mine is: I would not waste money on roller tip rockers. They offer VERY little benefit other than less deflection over a stock style rocker arm. On a dyno, you'd probably see NO gains. If you're gonna change them at all, then go full roller. The Harland Sharps are a good deal for the money. I also run the Comp Pro Magnums. The Jegs house brand aren't bad pieces either. Of course you'll see benefits when increasing ratio, but on most of the GM factory heads, the pushrod slot will have to enlongated to prevent binding. Stay away from the CAT brands and other "cheap" crap that have little reputation.

IMHO the power gain from any rocker change is minimal to zero, particularly as compared to the $400 cost of some good full rollers.

And the pushrod length was fine, as is clearance, with the 1.6 roller tips.