Installing Rocker Arm StoppersFor S13 SR20DET motors---------------------Rocker Arm Stoppers (or RAS's for short) are a must for any SR20DET. They're pretty cheap, easy to install, and will prevent bent valves. Think of this as an insurance policy for your SR20. ---------------------First and always, disconnect your battery before servicing your vehicle. Drain your oil. Next, remove the spark plugs and get them out of the way. Also disconnect the air-line to the factory oil catch-can and remove the line that goes to the throttle body.Now start removing the 10mm valve cover nuts. There should be 13 in all (5 on either side and 3 down the middle. ---------------------Now you can see the guts, pretty confusing, eh? Well first, be very careful as you don't want to get any debris in your head.Begin to loosen the cam bolts in alternating order. ie, loosen the front two then the back two, etc. The FSM (available here, page #59) details exactly how to remove them.
Pic from the FSM:---------------------A detailed look at the cam bolts and cam brackets. You're going to remove the "outside" cam bolts but you still want to loosen the "inside" bolts as well. Keep the bolts in order as you take them out. ---------------------The "fingers" of the RAS's will sit down inside the head and sit just above the rocker-arm. Now you see why they're called Rocker Arm Stoppers.---------------------Tighten the bolts. Factory spec is 8.7 ft-lbs but many owners like to go just a tad tighter. Again double check your factory service manual.
---------------------The "driver" side is very similar with the exception of this oil baffle. After a search on NICOClub, I found that some owners remove the baffle. Others cut it down for fear of blow-by. Since I have the time and tools, I am going to cut mine. ---------------------Removed, as you can see the curves on the end will get in the way of the RAS's. ---------------------After a little time with the Dremmel, the edges are now flat. I will install the RAS under the baffle and it'll be just like stock. Be sure remove that the new cut is nice and smooth, you don't need any metal shavings in your head.Again this part seems to be optional as some owners have just thrown theirs away. If you don't have the tools or if the baffle is already missing, don't sweat it. ---------------------Fits like a glove. ---------------------There, done. The Rocker Arms Stoppers are in. You're not going to gain any performance but I guarentee that you'll sleep better at night. ---------------------The factory rubber gasket is reusable and I used Permatex Ultra Gray liquid gasket for a good seal. Other liquid gaskets and RTV's may work as well. This is the gasket for the sparkplugs.Edit: Again, I did use the rubber gasket, although it is not pictured here.---------------------On a side note: If you like, you can remove the timing chain guide that sits between the cam sprockets. It's only held on by two 10mm bolts. Some owners remove this guide because it can create some extra noise from the valvetrain; it is especially common to remove on KA's. I left my installed because I figured it would give me an early warning if my timing chain is starting to fail. ---------------------
This write-up is for an S13-SR20. S14 SR's have a different valve cover that has to be modified to fit Rocker Arm Stoppers.Head over to Zeroyon.com and check out their Tech section for an S14 specific writeup.
Time Spent: 2 hours Total cost: $50
***Important Notice*** Please follow all safety precautions when servicing your vehicle. Failure to do so may result in expensive damages to your car and injury to yourself. This write-up was done in good faith to assist other auto enthusiast. Please check the factory service manual and your local dealer before attempting any work on your car. I take no responsibility for your actions. If you chop off your finger, you're on your own
Modified by DuckyD at 1:26 PM 1/17/2007
