Hmmm...so here's the deal. I had originally planned on reworking my 113 heads on my 89. As such, I started buying parts for them and have a set of GMPP 1.6 self aligning roller rockers in the garage. Now I've decided to buy a set of lightly used edelbrock 60879 heads that have manley guide plates already installed in them. I spoke to edelbrock who said the guide plates can be removed and replaced with 1/8th inch headbolt washers in order to run SA RR.

So...should I keep the guide plates and get non self aligning roller rockers, or should I remove them and go with what I've got?

Opinions?

Matthew

Guide plates are the prefered method for most hi-performance engines.... however if the engine is fairly low RPM (less than 7000RPM) and has modest spring pressure (around 350lbs open), SA rocker arms will do the job fine in my experience. You just have to be careful of valve float as it can/will cause the rockers to come off the valve stem and unlock a valve spring retainer.

If I were in your situation (and I have been), I'd want to utilize the SA rockers I already had - vice buy a new set of rocker arms.

It all comes down to the valve stems "tip" length. If the tip lenght is sufficient to keep the SA rockers "guide ears" off the valve spring retainer and locks I'd run them.

The problem is that some SBC valves have really short valve stem tips and the guide ears on some SA rockers can actually ride on the retainer or the locks which is bad. It's very easy to spot once a rocker is mocked up. If they hit you have to buy non SA rockers, run hardened pushrods and use the guide plates.
Will

Thanks, Will.

The Edelbrock heads have springs already installed that are good until .575 lift. I don't know the seat pressure. The cam I intend to use is comp cams 08-302-8 and has a .510/.520 lift with 1.6 rockers. They do state you have to run hardened pushrods .100 longer than stock.

http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_n ... chevy/sb_performer2.shtml

http://www.compcams.com/Cam_Specs/CamDetails.aspx?csid=212&sb=2

Also, I've read that GMPP 1.6 RRs will work under the stock centerbolt valvecovers with the drip tabs removed. Anyone know if this is true or if narrow RRs are reguired?

Thanks again,

Matthew

Any other comments?

I'd sell them and buy a set of non self aligning. I think you are taking a step backwards to set those heads up to run SA rockers.

Check with forum member shultz, he might be interested in them if the price is right.

Thanks, Dan. I was kinda thinking it would be easier to leave the guideplates on and get non SA RRs. I can get a decent set through Summit.

Tell Shultz to PM me, I'll give him a good price if interested, they are brand new in the pacakges still.

Matthew

Next time I see him I'll tell him to pm you. He just bought a '90 6 speed fx3 car about a month ago. Polo green and tan, I love that color combo. I just met him 2 weeks ago, he lives near me. Really good guy, really nice car. It is mostly stock, nice catback and a K+N and a few little things. He put in a 180 stat and I burnt him a chip to lower his fan settings. Good running car, he is looking to do a few more little simple not expensive mods, I told him 1.6 roller rockers and a pair of headers would give him a nice little gain without tearing deep into it. Maybe I can get him to shop for a used Superram. He's no stranger to power, he used to have a Mustang that he put a 400 Chevy engine in with the older style AFR heads.

He was up the other night and let me drive his car, was the first time I drove a 6 speed car. Amazing how well they walk when you let the clutch out, don't even need to give it gas with all that TPI down low torque! I also got to take him a ride in my car on the 250 shot. That was fun!