“Stock” automotive parts and specifications have long been used as a means of governing racers by restricting the output of their machines. At least, that’s been the idea, but more often than not, these hurdles are overcome by savvy competitors, and engine outputs rise above initially projected levels.
Among the latest parts we’ve seen to help in these quests are case-hardened stock-type rocker arms from Elgin Industries. Stock rocker arms are another of those factory parts that are required in some classes of racing, again as a means of restricting output, since stock stamped-steel rocker arms can’t handle the high levels of valve-spring pressures required with radical camshaft lobe profiles. However, by using what the company describes as an advanced nitrided, case-hardened metallurgy, the Elgin Pro-Stock Nitro rocker arms are able to resist wear much more effectively than stock pieces. This allows the Elgin rockers to offer the same sort of durability that racers are currently getting from ceramic rocker arms, but at greatly reduced cost.
The Nitro rockers are currently offered for small- and big-block Chevy engines in several configurations; for all the details, go to www.elginind.com.