Rocker Arms, Roller Rockers for LS, SBC, BBC and Ford

What Rocker Arms Cover

This collection includes engine rocker arms and related valvetrain components such as roller rockers, shaft rocker kits, trunnion upgrade kits, rocker bridges, rocker arm pedestal shim kits, and hardware. Some vehicle listings may share the product type name while serving a different purpose, so confirm the product description and engine application.

Rocker arm function

A rocker arm transfers camshaft and pushrod or overhead cam motion to the valve. Geometry, ratio, pivot style, material, and fastener design all affect the correct selection.

Stud Mount and Shaft Mount Rockers

Stud mount roller rockers are common in many small block and traditional V8 applications. Shaft mount systems place the rockers on a common shaft and are used where the cylinder head design and performance target call for added rigidity and precise geometry.

Pedestal mount systems

Many Ford and other engines use pedestal mounted rockers. Pedestal shim kits can help establish correct preload and geometry when used with compatible components and the appropriate measurements.

Roller Rocker Ratios

Rocker ratio changes the valve lift created from a given cam lobe. A higher ratio may increase valve lift and alter valvetrain behavior, so it must be chosen with camshaft, spring, retainer, piston clearance, and cylinder head specifications in mind.

Do not guess the ratio

Match the ratio specified for the engine combination. Incorrect ratio or geometry can create valve control problems, clearance issues, or accelerated wear.

LS and LT Rocker Upgrades

LS and LT builds can use trunnion upgrade kits, OEM rocker retrofit components, and shaft rocker systems to improve durability and support high-rpm or high-lift camshaft combinations. LS3 and LS7 shaft rocker kits must be matched to the specific head and valvetrain setup.

Trunnion upgrade planning

A trunnion upgrade changes the pivot hardware in compatible factory rocker arms. Use the included instructions and installation tool where specified, and inspect the rockers carefully during assembly.

Engine Family Compatibility

Rocker arms are highly application-specific. The collection includes parts for SBC, LS, Ford Modular, Ford small block, Gen III HEMI, Cummins, Honda B Series, H Series, K Series, and Jeep inline-six applications.

Cylinder head and valve cover clearance

Verify the cylinder head casting, mounting style, stud diameter, shaft location, valve cover clearance, and any offset requirements. A correct engine family name alone is not enough to establish fitment.

Valvetrain Geometry and Assembly

Rocker arm selection must be coordinated with the camshaft, lifters, pushrods, valve springs, locks, retainers, valve stem height, and head machining. Pushrod length must be measured for the assembled combination rather than assumed from a catalog baseline.

Professional measurement matters

High-lift, high-rpm, forced induction, and race combinations benefit from careful geometry checking by an experienced engine builder. Follow torque values, preload guidance, and break-in procedures from the manufacturers.

Top Rocker Arms Brands

• COMP Cams. Roller rockers, shaft systems, trunnion kits, cams, and valvetrain hardware.
• Fleece Performance. Diesel engine and Cummins performance components.
• Skunk2 Racing. Honda valvetrain and engine performance products.
• Ford Racing. Ford engine hardware and performance components.
• Ferrea. Valves, locks, retainers, and performance valvetrain parts.
• Omix. Jeep replacement and engine service components.
• Crane Cams. Camshafts, rockers, and valvetrain products.
• Yella Terra. Roller rocker arms and performance valvetrain systems.
• Harland Sharp. Precision roller rocker arms and shaft systems.
• Jesel. Shaft rocker systems and professional race valvetrain components.
• Crower. Camshafts, lifters, and valvetrain parts.
• Manley. Valves, springs, retainers, and engine components.
• Melling. Engine oiling and replacement valvetrain products.
• Trend Performance. Custom pushrods and valvetrain components.
• PAC Racing Springs. Valve springs and retainers for performance engines.

How to Choose the Correct Rocker Arms

• Confirm the exact engine family, displacement, year range, and cylinder head casting.
• Identify the rocker mounting style, including stud, shaft, or pedestal mount.
• Match the rocker ratio to the camshaft and engine builder specification.
• Verify stud diameter, shaft dimensions, and hardware compatibility.
• Measure for valve cover clearance, rocker offset, and retainer clearance.
• Match rocker selection to the valve spring pressure and intended rpm range.
• Measure pushrod length and valvetrain geometry on the assembled engine.
• Confirm compatibility with valve locks, retainers, and valve stem height.
• Use installation tools and torque values specified by the manufacturer.
• Have high-lift or race valvetrain combinations checked by an experienced engine builder.

Common Questions

What does a rocker arm do?

A rocker arm transfers motion through the valvetrain to open and close the engine valve at the intended time and lift.

What is a roller rocker arm?

A roller rocker uses a rolling contact at the valve tip or pivot to reduce friction and support performance valvetrain operation.

How do I choose the right rocker ratio?

Use the ratio specified for the camshaft, cylinder heads, valve springs, and engine combination. Do not select ratio by engine family alone.

Are LS rockers interchangeable with every LS engine?

No. Confirm the specific LS or LT application, cylinder head, rocker design, trunnion hardware, and camshaft requirements.

What is a trunnion upgrade?

It upgrades the pivot hardware of compatible rocker arms to support durability and performance in appropriate engine builds.

Do I need new pushrods with rocker arms?

Possibly. Pushrod length and geometry must be checked after changes to camshaft, heads, lifters, block machining, rocker design, or valve train components.

What is the difference between stud mount and shaft mount rockers?

Stud mount rockers pivot on individual studs while shaft mount rockers use a common shaft system. The cylinder head design determines which style fits.

Can I install roller rockers without checking clearance?

No. Check valve cover, retainer, spring, piston-to-valve, pushrod, and guide clearance before final assembly.

Should I replace valve springs when upgrading rockers?

Valve springs must match the camshaft and intended rpm. Confirm spring pressure and coil bind clearance for the complete valvetrain combination.

When should an engine builder check rocker geometry?

Geometry should be checked whenever significant valvetrain components, head machining, camshaft, lifters, or deck height are changed.

Why Buy Rocker Arms from Black Ops Auto Works

Black Ops Auto Works stocks 24 rocker arms products with fitment data, competitive pricing, and support for real performance builds. Products can be filtered by application details to help confirm the correct configuration before ordering.

For focused shopping, browse our Cams & Cam Gears, Valve Locks, Valve Covers, Heads Components, Engine Hardware, and COMP Cams.