Hello All,
Installed a set of Summit 1.6 narrow body roller rockers today. Fairly straight forward, but time consuming. I have the Magnesium valve covers (which $uck, by the way - oxidized, pitted and ugly), which had to be slightly modified in order to fit over the new roller rockers. As you can see from the picture, I used a Dremel tool w/ cutting disc and cut the "oil drip tabs" (the stock stamped steel rockers used these tabs for proper lubrication) from the top of the valve cover to make clearance for the roller rockers. Using the cutting disc, I cut about half way through each tab, then grabed each tab with a pair of pliers and snapped each tab off at the base. This was much quicker than trying to cut all the way through each tab. After all the tabs were broken removed (16 total - 2 for each rocker) I inserted a cylindrical cutting stone into the Dremel to grind down the remaining tab to the base.

I am eventually going to get new valve covers, but I am just waiting for a good price on a set. I thought about trying to clean up the original Magnesium ones, but they are just too far gone.

Test drive results - The drivibility & throttle response seems to be smoother, but it is hard to feel only 10HP or so. Possibly next week when I get my Billy Boat Exhaust, I be able to feel more of a difference with both mods.

CG

 

Thats awesome! Notice any difference in noise?

 

Advanced auto parts store. Ask them for the Chrome Eddlebrock valve covers for a corvette. They are nice. Only 40 dollars so I bought them. Not the best but no one can tell the difference. Bargain...

 

Raisinbran,
No difference in the valve train noise. I'm sure if one of those "Polylocks" loosens I'll hear all kinds of noise! I removed all lash as recommended in the factory service manual, then tightened each nut (on the Ploylock) 1/2 turn more, then tightened the Allen lock screw.

Black86vette - BTW, I did pick up those chrome valve covers, but from Autozone instead of Advanced Auto. For $39.99 they are better than those crummy Magnesium OE's. When those Magnesium covers age they are terrible looking. I could not stand it, they had to go.

CG

 

While installing those chrome valve covers I ran into a few snags...
1. Although my 'vette is a '92, I had to buy '86 - '91 valve cover gaskets. (Fel-Pro)
2. The left (driver side) chrome valve cover has a cut-out for a PCV (the chrome valve covers came with a PCV valve and rubber grommet w/ chrome cap), while the OEM Magnesium valve cover did not have any cut-outs at all. Only the right (passenger side) OEM valve cover had the PCV valve and oil filler cap. In any event, the left valve cover fits over the roller rockers with no modifications, you just have to live with the extra PCV valve and chrome cap.
3. In addition, the chrome valve covers are not the exact same size as the Magnesium OE valve covers with regards to clearance for the alternator. In order for the alternator to rotate down into position directly in front of the valve cover, I had to break out the trusty hammer and wooden dowel to gently tap the chrome valve cover inward and make room for the rear-end of the alternator. It did not take much persuasion for the proper clearance, but something to be aware of.

Performance update - I took a drive on the Interstate tonight and you can definetely tell a difference when you open it up. (WOT) It is hard to describe / quantify, but it is there.

 

Got any pics...Sounds nice. Hope you enjoy it.

 

U have an LT1 right?

 

yes the '92 had an LT1