|
|
Line 1: |
Line 1: |
− | {{develop}}
| |
− | [[File:Jessel mohawk AFR ford windsor.jpg|thumb|400px|Jessel rockers on a Ford Windsor engine]]<br>
| |
− | ==Overview==
| |
− | The rocker arm is a fulcrum. Its job is to transfer the camshaft's rotational motion into an up-and-down motion by way of the rocker arm's pivot point, which in turn opens and closes the valves.
| |
| | | |
− | Read more at [http://www.mustangandfords.com/techarticles/engine/mdmp_1205_rocker_arms_and_adjustable_valvetrain_geometry/viewall.html#ixzz1yp8k26PA Rocker Arms and Adjustable Valvetrain Geometry].
| |
− |
| |
− | ==Types==
| |
− | There are several different materials rocker arms may be made of: hardened steel, stainless steel, aluminum- both extruded and cast. There are several different designs: pedestal mount, stud mount, shaft mount. There are different pivot point: Ball and stud (like a SBC), shaft, or a roller trunnion. There are different tips: Self aligning, non self aligning, roller (also in SA and non SA designs).
| |
− | ===Stamped steel===
| |
− | A mainstay of OEM engines. They're cheap to produce and perform adequately, although in serious competition and high performance applications they leave a lot to be desired. The ratio is often less than advertised, the ball pivot like used by Chevy and Pontiac are prone to wear and friction.
| |
− |
| |
− | ===Roller tip===
| |
− | The roller tip only rockers are mostly a gimmick. Their only real advantage comes not from the roller tip (which by one estimate would need to be a 2" diameter roller to duplicate a stamped steel rocker), but from the more accurate ratio; stock stamped steel rockers often have less than advertised ratios and this means less than advertised lift, and a good chance of less peak performance.
| |
− |
| |
− | ===Roller trunnion===
| |
− | [[File:LS7 stock rocker arms.jpg|thumb|400px|Gen 3/4 Chevy rockers]]A roller trunnion is the best improvement that can be made to a rocker arm using a design that permits it. As an example, Chevy Gen 3 and 4 engines use a roller trunnion without a roller tip. These rockers are very efficient and represent the state of the art as far as OEM rocker arms go. These rockers can be upgraded with a replacement trunnion bearing assembly and are then good for high performance use beyond what the stock bearings could take. <br style="clear:both"/>
| |
− |
| |
− | ===Full roller===
| |
− | Aftermarket rockers are available as full roller (tip ''and'' trunnion). The benefits are less friction and less oil needed to lubricate them. While these used to be considered high-end race-only parts, the price has dropped to the point where a set of decent full roller (tip and trunnion) can be had for not much more than a quality set of stamped steel rockers.
| |
− |
| |
− | ===Self aligning vs. non self aligning===
| |
− | [[File:SA vs non sa rockers.jpg]]
| |
− |
| |
− | [[Category:Cylinder head]]
| |
− | [[Category:Undeveloped articles]]
| |