I am playing with the idea to go for 1.7 rockers instead of the stock 1.6 as it is one of the simplest and yet best working way to beef up the engine a bit.

Is it a good idea?

What results will this bring?

MPG? Power? Drivability?

Does this make neccessary the change of other parts too or already alone is a working concept?

Thank you for all answers in advance.

 

Usually, the aftermarket 1.7 rockers have stiffer construction so they provide closer to spec lift. This will increase valve opening by about 6%, which would slightly increase airflow, but not so much that the stock computer can't compensate for it. You will get a little bit of power increase, but not sure if you will feel it. If you get fully rollerized rockers, they will also reduce friction, which will slightly increase efficiency. As far as MPG, if you aren't always standing on it, you may see a slight improvement from the reduced rocker friction. That said, it's definitely worth installing.

 

The 96 Econolines had roller rockers from the factory! Otherwise I am happy what you wrote, I will do this upgrade. It would be nice to combine it with exhaust header change but I am unable to find any on the market made for my van...

 

shorty headers made by pacesetter for a bronco fit on a van , i have a 1996 5.8 econoline , headers fit fine and give a real power boost. a forum member baddad recommended them they are a nice upgrade.

also advancing the timing a few degrees helps a bit.

I am also curious about the 1.7 rockers , do you need to change pushrod lenghth?

 

I didn't know about the factory roller rockers in the Econolines. Were they 1.7:1 ratio? Were they steel or aluminum? Some years of Cobra Mustangs came with the aluminum 1.7 rockers from the factory (that's the model I got).

You do not need to change the pushrods with these. But my lifters took a few miles to get used to the increased lift; they tapped for a little while.

 

Don't know where you heard that, but they're wrong. My 96 E150 didn't have them until I added them.

 

Ford found a 15 hp increase in the Cobra 5.0 by using the full roller 1.7 ratio rockers. This was from the increased lift, reduced friction in the fulcrum and the elimination of deflection in the stamped steel rockers. it lowered the oil temps too by eliminating the friction