Well my engine is smoking every once in awhile at startup so I ordered up some new viton valve seals, but I decided to take a look under the valve cover today even though they're not here yet. The first issue I noticed is my guideplates are wearing just like everyone elses (the GMMP ones) and that is causing my rockers to **** more and more off center. Are there better guideplates out there for my setup? My pushrods arent bent or anything, so I'm guessing these guideplates are a little soft.

The second issue I noticed is my oil drainback holes are being mostly blocked by my head gaskets. Anyone else have this issue?

 

Your guideplates are not hardened. I wrestled this for a while.
I finally bought a set from gmpartsdirect.com, which were hardened,
and no more wear (pn 140110510). Using a small file you will be
able to tell if they are soft or hard.

 

Isky adjustable guideplates.

 

ditto.

 

I used Trickflow TFS 30400623-8.

Fit is fine, they are hard, but no miles yet. Non-adjustable so easier than the Iskys.

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...4&autoview=sku

 

comp cam guide plates here.