Rocker arm confusion

[chevyfan16]

I purchased these cast iron heads, they said machine work needs to be done if using guide plates. When I looked at the pushrod holes it looks like you can use non self aligning rocker arms without guide plates. Someone tell me if Im wrong?!

:?:

 

[CHRIS.O]

You are right. Those holes will in effect be a guide for the push rods. You do not need self aligning rockers or guideplates.

 

[chevyfan16]

Stupid people at summit told me I needed self aligning so I bought new ones....guess I have to return them and use the other ones I got for free!

 

[tc1959]

If you have center bolt valve cover style heads you have to run self aligning roller rockers. I have that set up.
Proform #66914 Been running them for two years now no problems.

I believe Summit is correct On that.

 

[chevyfan16]

Just asking how come because of the small opening you would think you could run non self aligning.....right?

 

[tc1959]

Just asking how come because of the small opening you would think you could run non self aligning.....right?

I believe the push rod should not make contact with the hole in the head it will damage them.
Those heads are not set up for guide plates with out some machine work,so that's why they came up with self aligning.
The little guides on the roller keep the roller centered on the valve stem.They seem to Work quite well.
They also clear the stock valve covers.

 

[CHRIS.O]

I honestly over looked that they were centerbolt heads. He is right you will need self aligning rockers.

 

[chevyfan16]

How come center bolt valve covers is what makes a difference?

 

[CHRIS.O]

Reason being, the older style heads have an oval slot for the push rods this restricts side to side movement. New center bolt heads have the circle instead of an oval. It allows the pushrod to move side to side. Sorry I did not catch that earlier. Glad it was caught.