Thread: 1.9 Modified Rocker Install

The parts are coming in;

wow, thats an expensive spring compressor. you can make one with a notched metal plate and one of the rocker bolts. about $2 in pieces parts. either way, good luck.

Not really, Ebay is your friend and the local AZ sells them. This product comes with a lifetime warranty, in case of failure all I have to do is take it to AZ for replacement.

link to spring compressor? i need one

Originally Posted by 99prixgt

link to spring compressor? i need one

I got it off ebay, the starting bid was $9.99 and I was the only one who placed one. Here ya go;http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/OEM-2...motiveQ5fTools

The preparation continues;

I tested the gauge for proper function and for any leaks using my air compressor. Everything checks out ok, I'll be placing my order with ZZP after I take care of another issue with the car.

Finished the spring install, gaining access to the rear was more work than I expected. I ran into a few issues, broke the original spring compressor, after the first use and had to rent from Autozone. The compressor has a lifetime warranty and will be replaced. I also broke a rocker bolt while torquing it. The wrench never clicked letting me now I reach the proper torque setting, it happened after the front and the first three rears were done. When I remove the pedestal the bolt was sticking out of the head and I was able to remove it using my fingers. Now I have to order some new bolts and live with the fear of breaking another, this time inside the head. I have other wrenches, although I may rent one from Autozone. I didn't take many pictures since there are so many floating around on this procedure. I'll post my results and any other issue once the install is complete. This may be awhile, unless I can find some rocker bolts locally.


No luck finding them locally and the places that could get them said they had to be ordered. AZ wanted $6.99 plus tax for (1) and $83.88 plus tax for (12). So I chose to order them myself and save about $60. They should be here by Tuesday, I'll probably want until the weekend to finish the job. hear are a few picks;




Broken spring compressor

AZ loaner spring compressor and broken rocker bolt

YIKES! You broke that expensive ass thing AND a rocker bolt...lucky you didn't ruin the head breaking that bolt off

Originally Posted by kfish

it helps a ton if you tap the top of each walve with a hammer before using the compressor...the oil varnishes up and half ass acts like a glue

Thanks, the springs are done and they were pretty easy. That tool wasn't the right one for the job, the loaner was perfect. The right tools mean everything, now I'm just waiting on the replacement bolts. I was nervous about dropping a valve, not realizing a broken bolt stuck in the head is even worst. I only have to put the rear rockers on and button everything.

The bolts came and I installed the rockers. I'm getting a tapping noise, it sounds like it's coming from the rear valve cover. I thought it would go away, when the oil circulated. I made sure all the bolts were torqued to specs, I'm going to check the oil level although it wasn't making noise before the install and remove the rear cover to check the rockers. Here's a video;

I may have found the problem, some of the rockers have side to side play. My theory is the center piece is welded or attached to caps that roll across bearings when they turn(rock). The center piece isn't attached to the caps, which creates side play and they rock independent of the cap without involving the bearings. These two were installed in the rear, I haven't taken the front apart to see if has similar rockers. Here's a video to possibly show what I'm talking bout.

I took the front apart and found some that were loose also. Here's a video;


I'm waiting to hear from ZZP, I've never had a problem with them before and hopefully this can be resolved quickly.

Yup, that's exactly what mine is doing right now. Good to know this should hopefully be an easy fix.

wow, can't wait to tackle this project. so do u think its a problem with the type of rockers u have or just plain rockers in general.

Originally Posted by tazyboy28

wow, can't wait to tackle this project. so do u think its a problem with the type of rockers u have or just plain rockers in general.

Type of rockers? Plain rockers?

Those are stock modded rockers.

yeah, aren't there different types?, like 1.9, 1.95, modified . . .etc

The different number means the ratio.

Modded are just stock rockers that are re-welded to have a higher ratio

Rollers are lightweight rockers that are way easier on valvetrain parts...but you pay out the ying yang for them.

so is it not good to have that side to side play of the rocker? i just installed my 1.9 modded stockers that i bought used and have a tapping noise as well. Torqued the CC reusable rocker bolts to 25 ft lbs