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The COMP Cams 17002-1 is a High Energy Die Cast Aluminum Full Roller Rocker Arm engineered for the Small Block Chevy (SBC) family. With a 1.6:1 ratio, needle bearing fulcrum, and precision roller tip, this rocker arm delivers reduced valvetrain friction, improved throttle response, and more consistent lift across the RPM range compared to factory stamped steel units. Designed for COMP Cams quality standards, the 17002-1 fits SBC engines displacing 262 through 400 cubic inches on 3/8 in. stud cylinder heads.
Why Upgrade From Stock Stamped Steel Rocker Arms
Factory stamped steel rocker arms use a sliding tip that drags across the valve stem throughout its arc. This sliding contact generates friction and heat, wastes power that would otherwise reach the wheels, accelerates valve stem and tip wear, and elevates oil temperatures over extended use.
The COMP Cams High Energy roller rocker replaces that sliding contact with a hardened roller tip that rolls across the valve stem instead of scrubbing it. The result is measurably lower friction at the tip, reduced heat generation in the valvetrain oil, and a more precise valve event. The needle bearing fulcrum further eliminates the pivot friction present in stamped rocker trunnions, so the rocker moves freely at all engine speeds. Together, these improvements translate to more efficient valve actuation, better throttle response, and real-world horsepower gains without internal engine modification beyond the rocker swap itself.
Die cast aluminum construction keeps unsprung valvetrain mass low relative to iron or heavy stamped units, which helps the valvetrain follow the cam profile faithfully at higher RPM and reduces stress on the valve springs over time.
Specifications and Construction Detail
The COMP Cams High Energy rocker arm body is die cast aluminum, providing a favorable strength-to-weight ratio suited for street and mild performance applications. The fulcrum uses a needle bearing assembly retained by a snap ring, eliminating the need for staking or pressed trunnion replacement. The tip is a full roller, hardened to withstand repeated contact with the valve stem across extended service intervals.
The 1.6:1 ratio increases valve lift by a factor of 1.6 relative to cam lobe lift, which is the standard ratio for most SBC cylinder heads. This rocker accepts valve springs up to 1.430 in. in outside diameter and handles open spring pressures up to 550 lbs., making it compatible with a wide range of street performance camshaft and spring packages.
These rockers are not self-aligning and require a guide plate to maintain proper lateral positioning on the stud. This is consistent with standard SBC stud-mount valvetrain assembly.
Application and Fitment
This rocker arm is designed for Chevrolet and GMC Small Block V8 engines in the following displacements:
- 262, 265, 267, 283, 302, 305, 307, 327, 350, and 400 cubic inches
- Broad fitment spanning 1955 through 1999 model years across hundreds of Chevy and GMC vehicles
Stud size requirement: This rocker arm is engineered for 3/8 in. rocker arm studs only. It is not compatible with cylinder heads using 7/16 in. studs. Verify your head's stud size before ordering.
A guide plate is required for proper lateral alignment. This rocker is not self-aligning.
What's Included
- 1x COMP Cams High Energy Die Cast Aluminum Full Roller Rocker Arm (single piece)
Important: This part is sold individually (one rocker arm per order). A complete Small Block Chevy V8 engine requires 16 rocker arms total. If you are equipping a full engine, see the sibling part 17002-16, which is sold as a set of 16.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 17002-1 |
| UPC | 036584215936 |
| Brand | COMP Cams |
| Series | High Energy |
| Style | Full Roller Rocker Arm |
| Ratio | 1.6:1 |
| Stud Size | 3/8 in. |
| Material | Die Cast Aluminum |
| Fulcrum Type | Needle Bearing |
| Trunnion Retention | Snap Ring |
| Roller Tip | Yes |
| Self-Aligning | No (guide plate required) |
| Max Open Spring Pressure | 550 lbs. |
| Max Spring Diameter | 1.430 in. |
| Application | SBC 262-400 c.i., 3/8 in. stud |
| Sold As | Individually (1 piece) |
| Warranty | 1-Year Limited (void for racing applications) |
Related and Sibling Parts
If you are building or rebuilding a complete SBC engine, consider the following related options:
- 17002-16 Same COMP Cams High Energy Die Cast Aluminum 1.6:1 Roller Rocker Arm, sold as a set of 16 for a full engine kit. Purchasing the set typically offers better value than buying 16 individual pieces.
- A 1.5:1 ratio variant of the 17002-1 is also available for applications where the lower ratio is specified or preferred.
Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information, visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many 17002-1 rocker arms do I need for a full SBC engine?
A complete Small Block Chevy V8 engine has 16 valves and therefore requires 16 rocker arms. This listing is for one (1) rocker arm. If you are equipping a full engine, order 16 of this part or purchase the sibling part 17002-16, which is sold as a complete set of 16.
What stud size does the 17002-1 require?
This rocker arm is designed exclusively for 3/8 in. rocker arm studs. It will not fit or function correctly on cylinder heads equipped with 7/16 in. studs. Check your head specifications before ordering.
Will this rocker arm fit my year of small block Chevy?
Fitment covers SBC engines from approximately 1955 through 1999, spanning the full range of 262, 265, 267, 283, 302, 305, 307, 327, 350, and 400 cubic inch displacements. The key requirement is that your cylinder head uses 3/8 in. rocker arm studs. If your heads have been upgraded to 7/16 in. studs, this part is not compatible.
Will the 17002-1 work with stock valve springs?
Yes, in most cases. The maximum open spring pressure rating is 550 lbs., which exceeds the pressure of virtually all factory SBC valve springs. The maximum spring outside diameter supported is 1.430 in. Confirm your spring dimensions are within these limits before installation.
Is the 17002-1 sold individually or as a set?
It is sold individually one rocker arm per order. For a full 16-piece engine set, see part number 17002-16.
Does this rocker arm require a guide plate?
Yes. This rocker arm is not self-aligning. A guide plate is required to maintain proper lateral alignment on the stud. This is standard practice for stud-mount SBC valvetrain assemblies.
What is the ratio of the 17002-1, and why does it matter?
This rocker arm has a 1.6:1 ratio, which is the stock ratio for most Small Block Chevy cylinder heads. The ratio multiplies cam lobe lift -- a cam with 0.300 in. of lobe lift will produce 0.480 in. of valve lift through a 1.6:1 rocker. Using the correct ratio ensures your camshaft's intended lift specification is accurately delivered to the valve.
What is the warranty on the 17002-1?
COMP Cams provides a 1-Year Limited Warranty on this rocker arm. The warranty is void if the part is used in racing applications. This part is intended for street and mild performance use.
What advantage does a roller tip rocker arm have over a stamped steel rocker?
Stock stamped steel rocker arms use a sliding tip that generates friction and heat as it drags across the valve stem. The COMP Cams High Energy roller rocker uses a hardened roller tip that rolls across the stem, reducing friction, lowering valvetrain operating temperatures, and delivering a more consistent valve event. The needle bearing fulcrum also reduces pivot friction compared to the plain-surface fulcrum in stamped rockers.
What engines is the 17002-1 compatible with?
This rocker arm fits Chevrolet and GMC Small Block V8 engines displacing 262, 265, 267, 283, 302, 305, 307, 327, 350, and 400 cubic inches, produced from 1955 through 1999, provided the cylinder head uses 3/8 in. rocker arm studs. Common applications include the Chevy 350 and 305 found in C/K trucks, Camaros, Corvettes, Impalas, El Caminos, and a wide range of other GM vehicles from that era.
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