Roller rockers/headers for 8.1 L

Cliff1943 · August 21, 2003

Anyone installed roller rockers and or shorty headers on your 8.1? If so what were the results? Would you do it again?

Thanks.

sonjaab · August 21, 2003

CLIFF...I am pretty sure all new GM V-8s have factory roller rockers.

04GMC8100HD · August 21, 2003

I'm not to sure about that, but I may be wrong.

Randy

1BADHD · August 21, 2003

They are roller rockers, but not roller tipped. A lot of the small block guys are doing this. It frees up about 35-40 hp by just bolting tose two things on. I would do it if I were you.

Cliff1943 · August 22, 2003

The 8.1 doesn't have the roller rockers. In fact, they aren't even adjustable. I have called Crane cams and discussed the rollers with one of the techs. I am just looking for someone who has installed them or had them installed to determine if it is worth the trouble. The studs also have to be changed before the roller rockers will go on.

I read Chevy High Performance magazine and Car Craft. Thas where I first learned the stock rockers are not adjustable and that the studs have to be changed.

tbyrne · August 22, 2003

There currently aren't any aftermarket rockers available for the 8.1 (I wish there was). Going to a higher ratio roller rocker is usually good for about 15-20hp. This is like doing a mild cam change without going into the motor. Shorty headers will show you a 10-12hp gain while long tubes are usually worth about 25hp. I run The Other Guys headers on both of my 8.1 motors.

Tom