• The site migration is complete! Hopefully everything transferred properly from the multiple decades old software we were using before. If you notice any issues please let me know, thanks! Also, I'm still working on things like chatbox, etc so hopefully those will be working in the next week or two.

Rocker install?

klj5022

KSteelwheelzJ
How hard is it to do a rocker and spring install? I installed my own headers took me about 7 hours with like 4 of them going to figurin out how to get the back one in without lowering the subframe. Any idea on rocker install is it kist taking alt bracket off and the valve covers. What's the degree of difficulty? And what tools are needed?
 


rockers are fairly straight forward. the springs are a little harder because you need a valve spring tool and an air compressor. unless youre awesome and do it with string to keep the valve from falling into the cylinder.
 
Compression tester (used w/o the schrader and gauge in it to put air from compressor into cylinder)
Valve spring compressor
Magnet (for retrieving the valve locks)
3/8" socket for vc's
15mm socket for alt/bracket/coil bracket

You should do the valve seals as long as you are there.
 
might i recommend zzp's seals and not intenses. intenses went to **** on three cars real quick. pulled em out in pieces and torn up. zzps are exactly like stock but are viton seals
 


i just got them done for that engine fire recall. Damn i was going to do springs too looks like mechanic will have to do. I dont have a compressor and my sausage fingers would never be able to tie a string around it lol
 
It helps if u have a buddy there drop the locks while you are compressing the spring

I used the viton rubber valve seals thru autozone
 
Depends on what rockers you're installing. I've ran SR rockers (1.8/1.85 modified stockers) to 6100 rpm's without valve float so I never had to change the springs. Just because you're doing rockers doesn't automatically mean you're doing springs.
 


rockers is one of the first things i did to my car and i wasn't real experienced with the 3800 at the time. it wasn't a bad install really but i didn't do springs(doing them soon). i had a more experienced gtp'er walking me through it just telling me what to wrench on while he worked on another project. it can be time consuming (took my slow ass 8 hours-kept losing bolts and such) for a beginner but don't be intimidated by it. plan on a full day project,bring some experienced help and if you get it done quicker. . . . go test drive!!!
 
I know its a old thread.

Im looking into 1.9 rockers from ZZP ; ZZPerformance - 1.9 Ratio Modified Rockers #04-01-00001

is there any how to for the installation? Do i need to remove anything other then the valve covers? Keeping in mind im just changing the rockers and not going past 6000 rpm.

and I would also get this; ZZPerformance - Rocker Install Kit #

I would do that myself in my drive way.

I dont want a cam because its to complicated for my mecanics skills...
 
you have to remove some parts to get to the valve covers. It's pretty easy i did mine in about 2 hours taking my time.
 
but when removing the valve covers Its pretty straight foward? the rockers are easy to remove? straight forward to replace?
 


but when removing the valve covers Its pretty straight foward? the rockers are easy to remove? straight forward to replace?

Yes:

Modifed 1.9 rockers are installed.

First thing was to remove the battery and coil packs. The dog bone mount attached to the engine hang over the valve cover.
d35d8d8b.jpg

87c3ce99.jpg

337202fc.jpg


Valve cover was fairly dirty:
09d3c9c9.jpg


After some light scrubbing:
76d05bfd.jpg


Pedestal in place:
8300290d.jpg


1.9's getting some lube:
2972c92f.jpg


Installed:
5343766e.jpg


When I got to the rear There was a bolt under the upper down pipe. To get to it I had to pry it then finagle the rachet. Ended up being a PITA. Finally I had to disconnect the wastegate from the upper down pipe. This allowed enough movement to pull the valve cover.

Finally back to the rockers:
115a2a6d.jpg

b89a7ebd.jpg


Valve cover was more dirty than the front. Got it cleaned up and reinstalled:
98c597bd.jpg


e30375b3.jpg
 
Don't forget to use a q-tip to clean up any oil where the rocker bolts go ;) it helps with getting the correct torque


I would do springs too but that's just me. That way you can do redo seals
 
Back
Top