Rocker Arms

[BossZR2]

What type roller tipped rocker arms should I get that would give me the most hp for the money

[Mikz86TA]

Well, being the OEM ones in your truck are already a full roller, it would only make sense to focus on ratio. Stock ratio os 1.5, could get 1.52 or 1.6 which will create more lift at the valve simulating a bigger cam. Sparky should chime in soon on the stud situation. I cant remeber at this time exactly, but there is a stud difference in our trucks but I think ARP sells a kit so aftermarket rockers can be adapted.

[BossZR2]

I also have the bad stumble at idle prob sometimes didnt know if anyone knew the cause

[Mikz86TA]

Have you checked the plugs and read them? What do they look like and is each cylinder consistent? What kind of maintenence has been done on the truck...how long have you owned it...anything replaced? What year is it also?

[nomaboy]

his truck dosn't have full roller per say. he has roller fulcrum. the tip is still a standard type. what year do you have? if you have '00 (i think) or up you will need to get a stud conversion from ARP as the stock just use bolts torqued to hold the stock rockers down and they are not adjustable so you can't put aftermarket rockers on them. the conversion studs allow you to used Aftermarket rockers just like a SBC and they are adjustable. also on your stumble check the throttle position sensor.

[BossZR2]

02 chevrolet 4.3 when i bought it it had 65000 it now has 99300 new AC delco plugs all are consistent, if i buy full roller rocker arms with a 1.6 ratio would the ones made for a SB chevy work or do i need to find some made for a 4.3

[nomaboy]

they will work. you need to get self aligning ones. i didn't and havent had problems but everyone says i should have. also need valve covers and gaskets for a 88-93 4.3L off ebay is a good place, as the aftermarked rockers won't clear the covers i like my pro mag rockers. good price and strong. you will need the conversion studs about 80 bux for a set of 12.

[BossZR2]

Why cant i get new valve covers for an 02 4.3 , will the covers for the 88-93 fit my vortec heads

[Mikz86TA]

Heres some helpful info for ya --->http://members.shaw.ca/betterthanyoutoo/how-to/vortec/rollerrocker.htm

[BossZR2]

preciate it thats just what i needed

[nomaboy]

thats it, good info mike.

basically you cant get new ones for a 02 because they don't make them. the head shape and size is the same as the old ones so they will work.

[Mikz86TA]

No problem. Suposedly the old steel valve covers from 90s 4.3s centerbolt woll work and clear the rockers. SLP used to make a bolt-on kit but it was pricey. It was part #50882 for '00-'03 kit and retailed for $400 and if you had a '98-'99 it was just the rockers and only $99 part #50833. They are seemingly impossible to find now. Sux though...SLP used to make these, underdrives, y-pipe, cat-backs, a 4wd lowering kit, and some other cool stuff for the s-series. Anyone seen or know of any Seeker,Adventure or Express packaged trucks around? Anyone know what they are?

[BossZR2]

Didnt know if edlebrock or some other company would make ones that would clear them I figured if im going to have to put different ones on their i might try to get something that looks NICE

[Mikz86TA]

SilveradoMYKK put some slick lookin Edel Elites on his 4.3 which is the same as ours. IDK if they are designed after the earlier 4.3 covers or the later ones. Should be able to contact Edel about it. If they are earlier style, they should clear aftermarket arms. I remeber seeing a guy on here or the other forum who made spacers out of billet to raise the stockers up to clear. Maybe someone else remembers them.

[87wildside]

The Edelbrocks are for the earlier center bolt heads an if I remember correctly MYKK had problems sealing them. I remeber a thread here about the spacers. I'll try looking for it.

[BossZR2]

another question has anyone tryed to pocket port 4.3 vortec heads and add if you did would you have to put bigger valves in

[Mikz86TA]

I believe the benefit of the Vortec design is for velocity,swirl and a complete combustion quench. I dont think that porting out the chamber is going to be needed. Maybe just port-matching the intake/exhaust ports without overdoing it is good enough. If you want a head to toy with and thats designed for it, Brodix makes some nice 4.3 heads.

[droopy89]

If someone has the kind of money just to go buy those Brodix heads, and play with them,then feel free to throw some of that money my way, gas prices are starting to suck again

[Mikz86TA]

Hehe..when did gas prices not suck?

[droopy89]

About 10 years ago when i didnt have to worry about it

[Mikz86TA]

Hehehe...agreed!!

[ZR1-S10]

Race Proven Motorsports makes a set of sheetmetal valve covers that fit any rocker set, however they are costly: $300

As for porting the heads, Carcraft got an extra 10cfm on the intake/60cfm exhaust on the Vortecs from handporting and stock valves. Given our large 4" bore I'd go for the larger 2.02" intake/1.6" exhaust valves. Leave the chambers alone!