I am getting ready to install a Lunati custom cam in my 5.3 and was wondering if it was worth the money on buying roller rocker arms or just staying with the stock stamped (also going with comp cams double roller timing gear set). And if it is worth the money what brand would you suggest, (scorpion, harland sharp, other)??? I am getting mixed reviews with the gear heads around me, some say stay with stock, some say spend the money. The new cam will have a .550 lift compared to the .525 lift I have now. Also, should I replace the pushrods, seems like every one who has changed rockers have stayed with the stock pushrods. Thanks for your chime

 

Most guys around here have pushed the stock rockers well over .575 lift and revved em to the moon without any problems, so I'd say stick with the stockers and save yourself $400. I'd definitely recommend some hardened pushrods though for some relatively cheap insurance, I have heard of bent stockers, but haven't heard too much about problems with the aftermarket hardened ones. Just my .02

 

Thanks for the info, any info on what brand of push rods? Saw a set of SLP Pushrods, LS1/LS2 Chrome Moly (set of 16) for $129?

 

Most on here seem like they stay w/. stock stamped or have harland sharp " mod."

I don't know enuff on SLP Pushrods to comment. But factory ones seem to be a weak link in LS valvetrain. Anytime there's a weak area pointed out in LS engines, that's 1 of its few shortcomings.

See what ya find. Trend makes stuff for Nascar, so if it works there, its durability will be there on street too. I think Smith Bros. is another name for "LS" engines.

Others in no order: Comp Cams, Lunati; Crower?
Myself, Trend or Comp. If those 2 cost too much, I'd go Lunati. Not a slam to Lunati, just in my mind, that's my picks. Everyone has preferences.
Just like some don't like Comp since 918s got a bad rap. I saw u have PAC.

BTW, I remember u PM'd me some time back. Have u had your truck to track?
If so, what'd she run?

 

Thanks for the info. I think that I am going to stay with the stock rockers and go with the SLP Pushrods, LS1/LS2 Chrome Moly set. Seems like a lot of people are happy with the stock rockers, also, I need the extra money for some body work any ways. Thanks!

 

I believe that any of the big name pushrods are good, I run Comp Magnum pushrods, and will probably use Comp pushrods when I build my LQ9 too. I haven't heard anything bad about Thunder Racing's hardened pushrods either, or Lunati. Haven't heard anything about SLP's pushrods good or bad, but have had good luck with SLP products myself.

 

That's what I was getting at. Something better than stock.
When power is applied &/or RPMs, I hear pushrods & conn. rods( after a point).
We're lucky to have such great motors( LS derived). It's these darn trannies & rears that worry me.

 

+1 I can vouche for the tranny's being junk, mine took a dump at 59K with my mild setup, but 23k of no torque management. It may have lasted longer if I left some TM in, but what fun is that?

 

I am on my third 4L60E. First one lasted 105000 miles before needing rebuilt. Second one fell apart after the drive shaft snapped on the dyno and decided to take the tranny and exhaust with it. Third tranny seems to be holding well at 400+ rwhp and 430 rwtq. I completely rebuilt my rear end with a trutrac and caltrac traction bars and love it! Even had the stock rear rims widened to 16x8,s running 285/60-16,s with no problem.

 

I am going to put some YT Ultralite rockers on my car. I am running over .6xx lift. If you are going to be running your RPMs high I would swap the rockers if you are staying under 6500 then the stockers should be fine. I have been running the stockers on my car even with my 2 different aftermarket cams and they have been fine for 12k miles...I am tired of taking my chances though @6800rpm and gonna switch out.