engine

Rocker Arms - All

for 2000 Dodge Viper 8.0L V10 · RWD

Difficulty

Advanced

Time

5.4 h

Tools

Steps

✓Fact-checked. Built from OLP's spec database, then independently fact-checked line by line with every correction applied. Master-tech sign-off by Chris Hackleman is queued. Cross-check torque values against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. How our data is made.

Complete replacement of all rocker arms on the 8.0L V10 engine, requiring removal of valve covers, rocker arm shaft assemblies, and inspection of valve train components on both cylinder banks.

Warnings

⚠️Allow engine to cool completely before beginning work. Valve covers and engine components can cause severe burns.

⚠The 8.0L V10 has aluminum heads. Do not overtighten fasteners or use impact tools on valve train components.

⚠Keep all rocker arms, pushrods, and related components organized by cylinder location if inspecting for wear patterns. Mixing positions can affect diagnosis.

ℹ️This procedure requires access to both valve covers. The intake plenum may need partial repositioning on some configurations for full access.

Tools required

Socket set (metric)Essential

Torque wrench (0-50 Nm range)Essential

Flat blade screwdriver

Pick set or gasket scraperEssential

Magnetic parts tray

Dial indicator with magnetic base

Feeler gauge setEssential

Clean lint-free ragsEssential

Brake cleaner or degreaserEssential

Marker or paint pen

Valve spring compressor (C-clamp style)

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Parts

Rocker arms (complete set for V10) × 20 — OEM Mopar rocker arm set
Valve cover gaskets (left and right) × 2 — Use OEM specification
Valve cover bolt grommets × 20 — Use OEM specification
Rocker arm shaft seals × 4 — Use OEM specification
Intake manifold gaskets (if disturbed) × 2 — Use OEM specification

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Preparation

Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
Disconnect negative battery cable and secure away from battery post
Remove engine cover if equipped
Relieve any residual fuel system pressure if fuel rail work is required for access
Clean exterior of valve covers and surrounding area to prevent debris entry
Label and photograph ignition coil and spark plug wire routing for reassembly reference

Procedure

1
Remove ignition components from right bank
Remove the spark plug wires from the right bank cylinders. Note the cylinder numbering: on the 8.0L V10 the right bank is cylinders 1-3-5-7-9 from front to back. Label each plug wire by cylinder position and set aside in order. Disconnect electrical connectors from coil packs and set components aside in order.
2
Remove right valve cover
Remove the valve cover bolts from the right valve cover (count per factory service manual for the 8.0L V10). Lift cover straight up to avoid damaging gasket surfaces. If cover is stuck, gently tap with a rubber mallet at the corners. Do not pry between cover and head. Inspect the gasket and grommets; replace if damaged or compressed.
3
Remove ignition components from left bank
Remove the spark plug wires from the left bank cylinders. On the 8.0L V10 the left bank is cylinders 2-4-6-8-10 from front to back. Label each plug wire by cylinder position and set aside in order. Disconnect electrical connectors and set components aside in order.
4
Remove left valve cover
Remove the valve cover bolts from the left valve cover (count per factory service manual for the 8.0L V10). Lift cover straight up. If access is restricted by intake plenum, loosen plenum mounting bolts enough to shift slightly for clearance, but complete removal is typically not necessary. Inspect gasket and grommets.
5
Inspect valve train and document positions
With both valve covers removed, visually inspect all rocker arms, pushrods, and valve tips for wear, scoring, or damage. Use a marker to label pushrod positions if they will be reused (intake vs exhaust for each cylinder). Note any unusual wear patterns as these may indicate additional issues with pushrods, valve guides, or cam lobes.
6
Remove right bank rocker arm shaft assembly
Remove the rocker arm retaining bolts/pedestal fasteners gradually and evenly in reverse of tightening sequence. Verify the exact rocker mounting configuration and bolt count against the factory service manual for the 8.0L V10 before removal. Keep pushrods in order if reusing. Loosen bolts gradually and evenly to prevent shaft bending. Once all bolts are removed, lift the entire rocker arm shaft assembly straight up as a unit. Keep pushrods in order if reusing.
Torque spec
Rocker Arm Shaft Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
7
Disassemble right rocker shaft and replace rocker arms
On a clean workbench, remove the rocker shaft end retainers and slide off the rocker arms, spacers, and springs. Note the orientation of each component. Replace all rocker arms with new units, maintaining the correct spacing and orientation. Intake and exhaust rocker arms are identical on this engine. Inspect the rocker shaft for scoring or wear; replace if surface is not smooth.
8
Remove left bank rocker arm shaft assembly
Remove the rocker arm retaining bolts/pedestal fasteners gradually and evenly in reverse of tightening sequence, per the factory service manual for the 8.0L V10. Keep pushrods in order if reusing. Once all bolts are removed, lift the entire rocker arm shaft assembly straight up as a unit. Keep pushrods in order if reusing.
Torque spec
Rocker Arm Shaft Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
9
Disassemble left rocker shaft and replace rocker arms
Remove the rocker shaft end retainers and slide off all components. Replace all rocker arms with new units, maintaining correct spacing and orientation. Ensure spacers and wave springs are positioned correctly between rocker arms. Inspect the rocker shaft for wear.
10
Clean all mating surfaces
Thoroughly clean the cylinder head valve cover sealing surfaces with a suitable solvent and a plastic gasket scraper, taking care not to gouge the soft aluminum sealing surfaces. Remove all old gasket material and oil residue. Clean the valve cover mating surfaces similarly. Inspect head surfaces for warping or damage; they must be flat for proper sealing.
11
Inspect and lubricate pushrods
If reusing pushrods, inspect each for straightness by rolling on a flat surface. Check pushrod tips for wear or pitting. Replace any bent or damaged pushrods. Apply clean engine oil to both ends of each pushrod before reinstallation. Ensure pushrods are correctly seated in their respective lifter bores.
12
Install left bank rocker shaft assembly
Position all pushrods in their correct locations in the left bank. Apply clean engine oil to all rocker arm contact points, rocker shaft, and valve stem tips. Position the assembled rocker shaft over the pushrods, ensuring each rocker arm socket seats fully on its pushrod ball. Install shaft retaining bolts finger-tight, then tighten evenly in sequence from center outward to specified torque. Verify each pushrod rotates freely.
Torque spec
Rocker Arm Shaft Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
13
Install right bank rocker shaft assembly
Position all pushrods in their correct locations in the right bank. Apply clean engine oil to all rocker arm contact points, rocker shaft, and valve stem tips. Position the assembled rocker shaft over the pushrods, ensuring each rocker arm socket seats fully on its pushrod ball. Install shaft retaining bolts finger-tight, then tighten evenly in sequence from center outward to specified torque. Verify each pushrod rotates freely.
Torque spec
Rocker Arm Shaft Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
14
Install left valve cover
Install new valve cover gasket and new bolt grommets. Position left valve cover onto cylinder head, ensuring gasket seats properly in the cover groove. Install all 10 valve cover bolts finger-tight, then tighten in sequence (center outward, alternating side to side) to specified torque. Do not overtighten.
Torque spec
Valve Cover Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
15
Install right valve cover
Install new valve cover gasket and new bolt grommets. Position right valve cover onto cylinder head, ensuring gasket seats properly. Install all 10 valve cover bolts finger-tight, then tighten in sequence (center outward, alternating side to side) to specified torque.
Torque spec
Valve Cover Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
16
Reinstall ignition components
Reconnect spark plug wires to both banks, routing each wire to the correct distributor cap terminal per the firing order (1-10-9-4-3-6-5-8-7-2). Ensure boots are fully seated on the plugs. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked. Route wires according to original placement to avoid contact with hot exhaust components. Reinstall engine cover if equipped.
17
Reconnect battery and perform initial start
Reconnect negative battery cable. Before starting, verify no tools or rags remain in engine bay. Start engine and listen for unusual valve train noise. Normal startup may include brief lifter noise that should quiet within 30 seconds as oil pressure builds. Monitor for oil leaks around valve covers.

Reassembly

Torque all fasteners to specification using a calibrated torque wrench
Replace all gaskets and seals; do not reuse compressed valve cover gaskets
Ensure pushrods are properly seated in lifter bores before tightening rocker shafts
Tighten rocker shaft bolts evenly in sequence to prevent shaft distortion
Route ignition wires away from exhaust manifolds and sharp edges

Verification

Start engine and verify smooth idle with no excessive valve train noise
Check for oil leaks around both valve covers after 5 minutes of running
Listen for any clicking, tapping, or knocking that could indicate improper pushrod seating or rocker arm installation
Verify engine reaches normal operating temperature without overheating
Road test vehicle and confirm normal acceleration and power delivery

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