A potential upgrade for the SOHC CVH engines that applies to all 1-3rd generation Ford Escorts. The standard rocker arms have 3 points of friction every time the valve is opened and closed. The point on the hydraulic lifter, the retainer point, and the valve itself. Although constructed of aluminum the rocker arms are about the same weight as the standard rocker arms. The biggest improvement comes from having roller bearings on all 3 friction points, eliminating almost all of the friction involved in transferring energy from the cam to the valve. This significantly helps improve the revving ability of an engine, allowing it to climb and drop rpms faster. The Harland Sharp rocker arms can also handle more stress, making an ideal upgrade when choosing stiffer valve springs to increase the rev limit.

Installation is a fairly simple procedure and requires nothing more than removing the valve cover and removing all of the previous rocker arms. All of the mounting hardware, including the different hex (6mm) driven retainer bolts. The retainer bolts are torqued to the same setting as stock bolts would be.

Utilizing this upgrade with an aluminum flywheel and 50% UDP (Under Drive Pulley) resulted in quite a noticeable difference in the way the CVH engine revs.

The cost is about $ 300, depending if Harland Sharp will still produce them or not. For this example only the second set ever made was acquired from Harland Sharp. The first being a prototype set made for a 1st gen Ford Escort. A 3rd gen 3.0 SPI cylinder head was sent in with stock valve train to allow for confirmation of the parts compatibility, and no changes were necessary to utilize the set. For more information see harlandsharp.com and ask for Mike.

Also see

• Alex's 97 Tracer build, the vehicle that contains the rocker arms.
• Ford Escort & ZX2 section for the entire index of all Ford Escort and ZX2 related articles.