From hard-core racing to mild street engines, COMP Cams has been one of the main providers of high-performance rockers for decades. Recently the engineers at COMP have revamped a few of their popular rockers, including their Ultra Gold line and Ultra Pro Magnums, so we contacted Trent Goodwin with some questions about construction and what we can look forward to in the high-performance Chevy world.
For high-powered and racing combinations, COMP Cams offers some robust shaft rockers that are rumored to handle 10,000 rpm and
higher with the right cam/valvespring combo. Instead of each rocker being tied to a stud individually, shaft rockers are all tied together
on a steel stand, drastically increasing stability.
CHP: We’ve noticed steel rockers have started to become more popular in recent years, why is that?
COMP Cams: For stud mount rockers, yes, a lot of engine builders use the steel rocker over the aluminum rocker for more strength and being allowed to run a high-spring pressure. If the engine builder is building a high-horsepower application, it may require our Shaft Mount Aluminum Rocker Arms. These rockers are made from 2024 aluminum and use an 8620 hardened steel shaft, which will make this stronger than a steel stud mount rocker.
CHP: We’ve heard that today’s steel roller rockers are actually as light or lighter than some previous aluminum versions, is that true?
In the past few years we have...
In the past few years we have noticed steel rockers are becoming more common. Of course, there are advantages to both steel and aluminum roller rockers, but for a while the aluminum versions ruled the land. Today COMP Cam’s Ultra Pro Magnum rockers are great pieces for those running high valvespring pressures, as it won’t fatigue like the softer aluminum will, however the mass is more with steel.
Our new Ultra-Gold ARC Aluminum Roller Rocker offers a new arced design with a channel and contoured top to give the rocker the best strength-to-weight ratio possible. The end result, less weight and a stronger rocker design.
CHP: Is it true that there’s some maintenance that goes with aluminum rockers?
COMP Cams: You should not use aluminum rockers on applications exceeding 600 pounds of spring pressure. If your application exceeds this, yes we would recommend checking your rockers periodically.
CHP: Are there any new rocker designs coming out for Chevys that you can talk about?
COMP Cams: We are always in the process of designing and coming up with new products and ways to enhance every aspect of the valvetrain of an engine. We are in the process of finalizing our new LS3 Factory Offset rockers. These rockers are made of 850 chrome-moly steel, black oxide exterior finish, oversized trunions and will be offered with a 3/8 stud and 1.8 rocker ratio.
When it comes to aluminum...
When it comes to aluminum rockers, COMP Cams’ Gold series rocker arms have been staples in the high-performance Chevy world for decades, but recently they’ve been upgraded to be even more durable. Better oiling, stiffer body material, and exclusive spiral locks are a few areas COMP upgraded on these popular pieces. CHP
In racing applications, getting the rockers to fit can be tricky depending on a few factors. On racing heads where the valves have been moved, angled, or both, custom rockers are usually required. One of the companies out there that handles both high-end rocker assemblies and street/strip setups is T&D machine in Carson City, Nevada. We contacted T&D’s Phil Elliot with some burning inquiries we had on one of the toughest pieces in your engine.
CHP: Do you think the need for custom offsets has become more common in the last decade? Why or why not? T&D: It certainly is common here. Virtually all engine builders have their own ideas about just what they want in offset or ratio. Because it is based around state-of-the-art CNC technology, T&D has the ability to add special features as needed. CHP: What are some of the more uncommon requests for custom rockers? Any 1.9:1 ratios or 2.3:1? Are those even possible, and what would they be used for?
T&D: T&D attempts to build rocker systems to suit each customer’s engine combo, even when engineering suggests the idea will not fit or work. Those high ratios you mentioned have actually become quite common—even 2.3:1. Yes, they are possible, and work extremely well in rare places such as NASCAR “cup” plate motors where tight camshaft restrictions require “cheating” in other areas.
CHP: What are your thoughts on the steel rockers in high-end racing? Do people ever request custom steel rockers?
T&D: T&D began building steel rocker arms for a very specialized area—race boats that hop in and out of the water, wreaking havoc on valvetrain components. As they evolved, it was discovered that longevity increased threefold. Now, several years into their development, T&D steel rockers have found their way into far more niches than even we imagined, and they account for a fairly high percentage of sales.
CHP: Do you see any advancement for rockers on the horizon?
T&D: I suppose you want us to tell about exotic unobtanium and the secret zero-gram rockers T&D builds for the very elite teams. But truly, T&D excels because it continues to provide the best rockers, using the finest components available, and based on sound engineering principles.