New Roller Rockers

RDRZ · 05-09-2004, 11:16 PM

Hi everyone,
I have a '90 lx 5.0 and wanted to get a little more hp out of it. It is a daily driver, and my job requires driving a lot, so I don't want to do anything that will sacrifice dependability. I was thinking of upgrading the rockers and was wondering what would be a good choice to go with and what is all involved in changing them. Thanks in advance.
Josh

crazypete · 05-10-2004, 09:31 AM

My humble experience is that none of the rollers fit under stock valve covers. You'll need to get new covers in addition to the rollers. As for instalation, not too bad. You'll need a big breaker bar with a socket to slowly rotate the engine to get each valve fully closed as you bolt it down otherwise you'll not be able to properly set the torque and the valve will hang slightly open.

Nixon1 · 05-10-2004, 09:56 AM

You CAN fit rockers under stock valvecovers. I did...1.6 full rollers. How? Grind out all the baffling inside the valvecovers. But unless you want oil in your intake and IAB valve, you're gonna have to plug the PCV return lines and run a breather. It's ghetto but hey, works for me.

RDRZ · 05-10-2004, 02:44 PM

Thanks for the info. Do you guys know what ratio the stock rockers are and what a good upgrade would be?

Hethj7 · 05-10-2004, 06:08 PM

I run 1.72 rr under stock valve covers, but use stack two valve cover gaskets so that they fit

. Seems to work just fine.

powerdyne 5.0 · 05-10-2004, 08:15 PM

I was wondering if there is a way to find out cam lift with the cam in the car b/c i want to put 1.72 rr on but I think my car may have a small cam in it. What type of hp gain can I expect from a 70mm tbody, typhoon intake, and 1.72 rr on a 5.0 with 9 lbs of boost??

RDRZ · 05-10-2004, 08:57 PM

Hethj7 - do you know if I can run those rockers with a stock cam, at least I'm pretty sure it is stock.

Nixon1 · 05-10-2004, 11:05 PM

Unless the lift on the cam is higher than stock, like approaching maybe .500, Im pretty sure you could run that ratio without a problem.

You still have the valvecover thing to worry about.

tireburner163 · 05-10-2004, 11:10 PM

I've got 1.7 lift roller rockers under my stock vavle covers. I just removed the baffle.

I would recomend a set tall valve covers though, because my PCV system sucks oil. I've got is plugged off for now.

-Josh, aka the tireburner

skiwesser · 05-10-2004, 11:22 PM

I've got 1.7 "cobra" RR's under stock V covers as well, use 2 gaskets as mentioned above, hold cover down, turn motor over by hand. If they still hit the baffle bend it up with a hammer and punch mine barley hit on the edge of baffle, easy fix KEEP THE BAFFLE!!

P.S. remove all spark plugs to make turning motor over easier

Lift on stock cam with 1.7's is .472" 1.6's= .444"

RDRZ · 05-10-2004, 11:34 PM

Thanks everyone for all the replies - now all I gotta do is sell just a little more crack to pay for them.

crazypete · 05-11-2004, 08:12 AM

If you dont change the cam profile but simply change the distance that the valves open, what does this actually do? If it is this easy to pick up hp, why didnt ford simply stamp 1.7 steel rockers on the stock engines?

OneBad91 · 05-11-2004, 09:43 AM

I got new roller rockers and i also got the tall valve covers from ford. But the problem is both valve covers have holes in them. What do i have to do to use with EFI. Do i have to plug the old PVC and get a new one for in the one hole and use a breather cap in the other?? I really have no idea.

crazypete · 05-11-2004, 11:43 AM

Breather holes! Honestly, if they dont squirt oil....leave em be. If you need to get it inspected at any time, plug both holes. The pcv system takes it's fumes from the back of the intake.

Nixon1 · 05-11-2004, 08:03 PM

What he said. I'm used to GM's that had the valve in the valvecover...I got all confused when I first bought the Mustang. A tip though....never plug BOTH holes. You need at least one of them venting, otherwise you'll buildup crankcase pressure which can potentially cause blowby. Plug one and run a breather on the other.....or put breathers on both. Since you won't be able to reuse your stock oil cap and PCV return line. Oh, and you DID plug the manifold fitting right?

OneBad91 · 05-12-2004, 07:16 AM

What manifold fitting??? but other than that you are basically saying plug then one hole and put a breather cap in the other?

Nixon1 · 05-12-2004, 07:22 AM

On the front of the upper intake manifold, there is a vacuum return line fitting. That your PCV return tube connected to. Plug that or you'll have a major vacuum leak. I just use a large black vacuum cap. I'd put a breather on the passenger side then, and plug the drivers. It'll be like stock then, except you have a vented pressure release instead of a draw-through. Mine is set up this way, with the stock valvecovers, and I have no problems whatsoever.

OneBad91 · 05-12-2004, 09:25 AM

Okay, thanks.

05-09-2004, 11:16 PM	#1
RDRZ Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Citrus Heights, CA Posts: 74	New Roller Rockers Hi everyone, I have a '90 lx 5.0 and wanted to get a little more hp out of it. It is a daily driver, and my job requires driving a lot, so I don't want to do anything that will sacrifice dependability. I was thinking of upgrading the rockers and was wondering what would be a good choice to go with and what is all involved in changing them. Thanks in advance. Josh

05-10-2004, 09:31 AM	#2
crazypete Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Boston Posts: 592	My humble experience is that none of the rollers fit under stock valve covers. You'll need to get new covers in addition to the rollers. As for instalation, not too bad. You'll need a big breaker bar with a socket to slowly rotate the engine to get each valve fully closed as you bolt it down otherwise you'll not be able to properly set the torque and the valve will hang slightly open. __________________ 91 GT Carb conversion, holley 600 double pumper, edelbrock performer intake, FMS "C" drop springs, march 1000 underdrive pullies, crane 1.7 roller rockers, GT-40P headers, bassani x pipe, american thunder catback, FMS 4.56's, msd aL6, trunkmount battery, A/C eliminator kit, 3000 stall tci streetfighter, AOD with transgo kit, A+ servo, 300M hardened lockup shaft, kevlar bands and 28,000 gvw trans cooler, 3 core radiator, 300 lbs stripped with a full interior

05-10-2004, 09:56 AM	#3
Nixon1 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Palm Bay, FL Posts: 432	You CAN fit rockers under stock valvecovers. I did...1.6 full rollers. How? Grind out all the baffling inside the valvecovers. But unless you want oil in your intake and IAB valve, you're gonna have to plug the PCV return lines and run a breather. It's ghetto but hey, works for me. __________________ '91 Mustang GT 5.0 AOD Daily Driver Current stats: NEW 302 short block, E-303 cam (@.050, 220/220, .498/.498, 110 degrees), 1.6 roller rockers, Performer RPM heads (aluminum, 1.9/1.6, 60cc chambers), Cobra intake, Granatelli 75mm MAF, Billet AFPR, Equal-Length Shorty Headers, Off-Road X Pipe, Flowmasters, 4.10 POSI 13.73 at 103.8, ~2.2 60'

05-10-2004, 06:08 PM	#5
Hethj7 Mizzou Tigers Join Date: Apr 1999 Location: weston, MO United States Posts: 1,455	I run 1.72 rr under stock valve covers, but use stack two valve cover gaskets so that they fit . Seems to work just fine. __________________ 2006 Mustang GT 1990 LX GT-40 motor 262 horsepower, 307ft-lbs (sold but forever loved) 1998 Contour SVT Rice Haters Club Member #244

05-10-2004, 08:15 PM	#6
powerdyne 5.0 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: alpharetta,GA Posts: 19	I was wondering if there is a way to find out cam lift with the cam in the car b/c i want to put 1.72 rr on but I think my car may have a small cam in it. What type of hp gain can I expect from a 70mm tbody, typhoon intake, and 1.72 rr on a 5.0 with 9 lbs of boost?? __________________ 93 white lx, tko, 3.55, powerdyne 9lb, pulleys, mac headers,bbk x-pipe,flomaster,24lb injectors,77 mass air,75 t-body

05-10-2004, 02:44 PM	#4
RDRZ Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Citrus Heights, CA Posts: 74	Thanks for the info. Do you guys know what ratio the stock rockers are and what a good upgrade would be?

05-10-2004, 08:57 PM	#7
RDRZ Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Citrus Heights, CA Posts: 74	Hethj7 - do you know if I can run those rockers with a stock cam, at least I'm pretty sure it is stock.

05-10-2004, 11:05 PM	#8
Nixon1 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Palm Bay, FL Posts: 432	Unless the lift on the cam is higher than stock, like approaching maybe .500, Im pretty sure you could run that ratio without a problem. You still have the valvecover thing to worry about. __________________ '91 Mustang GT 5.0 AOD Daily Driver Current stats: NEW 302 short block, E-303 cam (@.050, 220/220, .498/.498, 110 degrees), 1.6 roller rockers, Performer RPM heads (aluminum, 1.9/1.6, 60cc chambers), Cobra intake, Granatelli 75mm MAF, Billet AFPR, Equal-Length Shorty Headers, Off-Road X Pipe, Flowmasters, 4.10 POSI 13.73 at 103.8, ~2.2 60'

05-10-2004, 11:10 PM	#9
tireburner163 It's a lot like a race car Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Meridian, MS Posts: 4,130	I've got 1.7 lift roller rockers under my stock vavle covers. I just removed the baffle. I would recomend a set tall valve covers though, because my PCV system sucks oil. I've got is plugged off for now. -Josh, aka the tireburner __________________ 1987 Buick T-type 1998 HD Electra Elide

05-10-2004, 11:22 PM	#10
skiwesser Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: rock hill,S.C. 29730 Posts: 420	I've got 1.7 "cobra" RR's under stock V covers as well, use 2 gaskets as mentioned above, hold cover down, turn motor over by hand. If they still hit the baffle bend it up with a hammer and punch mine barley hit on the edge of baffle, easy fix KEEP THE BAFFLE!! P.S. remove all spark plugs to make turning motor over easier Lift on stock cam with 1.7's is .472" 1.6's= .444" __________________ 88 GT: subs,pullies, 1 3/4 longtubes, flowmasters, AFR 165's,T,F #1 cam,Thyphoon intake, 24# inj., 73mm C&L,65mmT.B., 190LPH pump, Eagle sir rods, forged pistons in a newly rebuilt 306. DYNO TUNED TO 300.97 RWHP 337RWTQ Last edited by skiwesser; 05-11-2004 at 12:47 AM..

05-10-2004, 11:34 PM	#11
RDRZ Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Citrus Heights, CA Posts: 74	Thanks everyone for all the replies - now all I gotta do is sell just a little more crack to pay for them.

05-11-2004, 08:12 AM	#12
crazypete Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Boston Posts: 592	If you dont change the cam profile but simply change the distance that the valves open, what does this actually do? If it is this easy to pick up hp, why didnt ford simply stamp 1.7 steel rockers on the stock engines? __________________ 91 GT Carb conversion, holley 600 double pumper, edelbrock performer intake, FMS "C" drop springs, march 1000 underdrive pullies, crane 1.7 roller rockers, GT-40P headers, bassani x pipe, american thunder catback, FMS 4.56's, msd aL6, trunkmount battery, A/C eliminator kit, 3000 stall tci streetfighter, AOD with transgo kit, A+ servo, 300M hardened lockup shaft, kevlar bands and 28,000 gvw trans cooler, 3 core radiator, 300 lbs stripped with a full interior

05-11-2004, 09:43 AM	#13
OneBad91 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: York, PA Posts: 58	I got new roller rockers and i also got the tall valve covers from ford. But the problem is both valve covers have holes in them. What do i have to do to use with EFI. Do i have to plug the old PVC and get a new one for in the one hole and use a breather cap in the other?? I really have no idea. __________________ 90 lx notchback:4cyl to 5.0 conversion, Mac 1 3/4 long tube headers, 3 inch pro chamber, al. radiatior, 3:73 gears, underdrive pulleys, GT-40 intake with 1" spacer, cold air intake, electric fan, pro 5.0 shifter, smog pump delete, a/c delete, windage tray, flowmasters, turn downs, subframe connectors, 5-lug conversion. Pro Tru forged pistions, Roush 200 heads, z303 cam, 30# injectors, 70 mm t-body, 255 lph fuel pump, 1.6 roller rockers, 7 qt. pan, high volume oil pump, fuel pressure regulator, MSD 6AL, MSD blaster coil, MSD pro billet distributer, 75mm mass air, and a hell of alot of money.

05-11-2004, 11:43 AM	#14
crazypete Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Boston Posts: 592	Breather holes! Honestly, if they dont squirt oil....leave em be. If you need to get it inspected at any time, plug both holes. The pcv system takes it's fumes from the back of the intake. __________________ 91 GT Carb conversion, holley 600 double pumper, edelbrock performer intake, FMS "C" drop springs, march 1000 underdrive pullies, crane 1.7 roller rockers, GT-40P headers, bassani x pipe, american thunder catback, FMS 4.56's, msd aL6, trunkmount battery, A/C eliminator kit, 3000 stall tci streetfighter, AOD with transgo kit, A+ servo, 300M hardened lockup shaft, kevlar bands and 28,000 gvw trans cooler, 3 core radiator, 300 lbs stripped with a full interior

05-11-2004, 08:03 PM	#15
Nixon1 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Palm Bay, FL Posts: 432	What he said. I'm used to GM's that had the valve in the valvecover...I got all confused when I first bought the Mustang. A tip though....never plug BOTH holes. You need at least one of them venting, otherwise you'll buildup crankcase pressure which can potentially cause blowby. Plug one and run a breather on the other.....or put breathers on both. Since you won't be able to reuse your stock oil cap and PCV return line. Oh, and you DID plug the manifold fitting right? __________________ '91 Mustang GT 5.0 AOD Daily Driver Current stats: NEW 302 short block, E-303 cam (@.050, 220/220, .498/.498, 110 degrees), 1.6 roller rockers, Performer RPM heads (aluminum, 1.9/1.6, 60cc chambers), Cobra intake, Granatelli 75mm MAF, Billet AFPR, Equal-Length Shorty Headers, Off-Road X Pipe, Flowmasters, 4.10 POSI 13.73 at 103.8, ~2.2 60'

05-12-2004, 07:16 AM	#16
OneBad91 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: York, PA Posts: 58	What manifold fitting??? but other than that you are basically saying plug then one hole and put a breather cap in the other? __________________ 90 lx notchback:4cyl to 5.0 conversion, Mac 1 3/4 long tube headers, 3 inch pro chamber, al. radiatior, 3:73 gears, underdrive pulleys, GT-40 intake with 1" spacer, cold air intake, electric fan, pro 5.0 shifter, smog pump delete, a/c delete, windage tray, flowmasters, turn downs, subframe connectors, 5-lug conversion. Pro Tru forged pistions, Roush 200 heads, z303 cam, 30# injectors, 70 mm t-body, 255 lph fuel pump, 1.6 roller rockers, 7 qt. pan, high volume oil pump, fuel pressure regulator, MSD 6AL, MSD blaster coil, MSD pro billet distributer, 75mm mass air, and a hell of alot of money.

05-12-2004, 07:22 AM	#17
Nixon1 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Palm Bay, FL Posts: 432	On the front of the upper intake manifold, there is a vacuum return line fitting. That your PCV return tube connected to. Plug that or you'll have a major vacuum leak. I just use a large black vacuum cap. I'd put a breather on the passenger side then, and plug the drivers. It'll be like stock then, except you have a vented pressure release instead of a draw-through. Mine is set up this way, with the stock valvecovers, and I have no problems whatsoever. __________________ '91 Mustang GT 5.0 AOD Daily Driver Current stats: NEW 302 short block, E-303 cam (@.050, 220/220, .498/.498, 110 degrees), 1.6 roller rockers, Performer RPM heads (aluminum, 1.9/1.6, 60cc chambers), Cobra intake, Granatelli 75mm MAF, Billet AFPR, Equal-Length Shorty Headers, Off-Road X Pipe, Flowmasters, 4.10 POSI 13.73 at 103.8, ~2.2 60'

05-12-2004, 09:25 AM	#18
OneBad91 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: York, PA Posts: 58	Okay, thanks. __________________ 90 lx notchback:4cyl to 5.0 conversion, Mac 1 3/4 long tube headers, 3 inch pro chamber, al. radiatior, 3:73 gears, underdrive pulleys, GT-40 intake with 1" spacer, cold air intake, electric fan, pro 5.0 shifter, smog pump delete, a/c delete, windage tray, flowmasters, turn downs, subframe connectors, 5-lug conversion. Pro Tru forged pistions, Roush 200 heads, z303 cam, 30# injectors, 70 mm t-body, 255 lph fuel pump, 1.6 roller rockers, 7 qt. pan, high volume oil pump, fuel pressure regulator, MSD 6AL, MSD blaster coil, MSD pro billet distributer, 75mm mass air, and a hell of alot of money.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Roller rockers for stock heads	QuantumMotorsports	Windsor Power	1	07-14-2003 03:15 PM
Roller Rockers, bad?	HiFlow5 0	Windsor Power	1	04-14-2002 01:35 PM
roller rockers	bobtodd	Windsor Power	4	04-07-2002 01:34 PM
reg rockers or roller rockers??	Chevysucks	Windsor Power	1	12-05-2001 08:17 PM
Valve Springs & Roller Rockers	StreetStang37	Windsor Power	4	04-17-2001 03:54 AM