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Do roller rocker arms make a difference?

By Olivia House

Do roller rocker arms make a difference?

Besides the potential power benefits of an increase in rocker ratio, roller rockers have several additional power-adding advantages compared with a stamped rocker. The advertised ratio of aftermarket roller-tip rockers is more accurate than the claimed ratio of typical stock stamped rockers.

Do roller rockers make more power?

Roller rockers make power two ways. First, a rollerized rocker fulcrum reduces energy losses from mechanical friction in the drivetrain, freeing up horsepower. At the same 6,000-rpm peak, we made 401.1 hp and 412.9 lb-ft of torque, a gain of 11.2 hp and 5.9 lb-ft of torque.

What are roller rocker arms used for?

The rocker arm is the part responsible for transmitting the movement of the camshaft towards the intake and exhaust valves of the engine, a process that occurs through the direct contact of these parts with the tappets and according to the movement of the shaft.

Can you use roller rockers with hydraulic lifters?

The two don’t necessarily need to be used together. Roller camshafts and lifters can be used in an engine that features nonroller rockers; by the same token, roller rocker arms can be used in an engine that features a flat-tappet solid or hydraulic camshaft.

How much HP do roller lifters add?

Roller lifters are exactly what they sound like, as there are literally little wheels attached to the ends of the lifters. The biggest benefit from this roller system is the reduced friction between the lifter and the camshaft, and this can be an easy 15-horsepower by itself.

Do roller rockers actually make a difference in engine performance?

A common misconception is that roller rockers are better than their stock counterparts because they use bearings instead of bushings. The resultant loss of friction supposedly makes power. That’s just not the case, as there’s a great deal more going on.

Are roller lifters worth it?

That being said, roller lifters will offer major power advantages, along with a smoother operating engine. One reason is that roller lifters have less friction on the camshaft, which makes it easier for the cam to spin. Additionally, lobe profiles can be much more aggressive.

What is the advantage of a roller cam?

The big advantage roller cams have over their flat-tappet cousins isn’t the reduced friction most people immediately think of, it’s increased tappet velocity (i.e., faster ramp rates). This increased velocity, as much as 30 percent, equates to more power.