I have a set of 5/16 compguide plates. Was wonder which is best to use on a vortec head.

 

votrec heads,if they have all new gm parts that would have origionally came with the heads,do NOT need guide plates.they use s/a rockers

 

The heads I purchased did not have rockers. I have had the heads machined to accept the LT-4 hot cam with 1.6 rockers. Looking to buy non-self aligning 1.6 roller rockers since I have guide plates. I reasd a few car magazines saying that vortec heads should use self-aligning rocker when using 1.6.

 

Looking to buy rockers within the next 2 days. Need input.

 

If you're going to buy the Hot Cam Kit, it already comes with 1.6 self-aligning rockers and spring kit. If you already installed the springs, are they setup for at least the .525 lift the cam will provide and has the installed height been setup correctly? Check for pushrod to cyl head rubbing after you install everything, you may have to chamfer the top of the pushrod holes slightly to avoid rubbing.

 

I do not have the LT4 Hot Cam Kit. I just have the Lt4 Hot Cam. As far as the Vortec heads goes, it did not have the rockers when I purchased it from Ebay. I had the machine shop work on the heads to accept the the Cam lift with 1.6 rockers and install screw in studs and new springs. The springs are good for .550 lift which I have that came with the recipt from the machine shop. Just need to know if S/A roller rockers (have not purchased rockers) should be used or use the guide plates which I already have.

 

The self aligning rockers will work fine.If they were not dependable, GM would not be using them in their crate motors. Guide plates are usually used in consistent high rpm applications where you would want some added stability. If you're not going over 6500 rpm every day, you'll be ok...