i have heard that we can not use guide plates on our heads with out some machining. is this true? if not, which guideplates can we use?

 

No. GM

 

I did not machine for guide plates. I am using the comp ones, that are hardened. I have heard the GMPP ones are too soft BTW.

 

which ones is everyone running now

 

Don't know about hardened plates, but if you get the hardened ones, you'd better make sure that the Push Rods are harder yet. Tis better to have worn plate than a worn rod. JMHO

 

I went to the isky adjustable ones.....the comps were not centered

 

i didn't do any machining. Make sure you get the right ones. there was a disscusion a while back where it was determined which guide plate lines up the pushrods best. I couldn't find it mabye someone will chime in with a link to that thread

 

true I am sure that the plates are not as hard as hardened rods. By all means I hope he knows to use a hardened rod with a plate. MDacton how far off were your comp plates? I really did not notice mine were off. Sounds like isky plates seem like a good option to go for.

 

a good bit.....they were off center probly .060 or more the isky let you put them right where you want them

 

GM guide plates (PN:14011051) are the ones that everyone runs. Including me. They line the best of any non-adjustable guide plate.

Look at this link from shoebox's site...

http://shbox.com/1/guideplate_compare.jpg

 

Sorry to bring this post back from the dead but I'm running the combontion motorsports guideplates and noticed that they are slightly off, as illustrated in the link above. Would this be a major issue?! I dont want to go through the hastle of completely disassembling the valvetrain to put in a different set of guideplates.

 

If its off you need to fix it......it can tear up your valve guides and it cost you power. Also uneven stress on the rocker.


Go with the Isky plates....you can get them from summit

 

The problem with the adjustables is that it leaves room for error on the installer's part. Not to knock anyone's abilities but not everybody can line them up right and weld them. This is an even bigger issue if you're trying to get them aligned with the engine installed under that big cowl.

I've heard of some people's issues with the GMPP plates not being hardened correctly. I have not had any problems with mine and Comp Cams single piece hardened pushrods. If you have access to the right equipment you could test them but I doubt a person with those abilities would be asking about it here

Get the Isky's if you want to put the effort in, if done right they are the best. If you can't or don't trust yourself, get the GMPP plates and inspect them a few times IMO.

 

I never welded the isky.....

Comp does not make the correct guides for the LT1.....I tried everything comp sent me and all of them were off. The gmpp would probly work fine if you don't think you can get the isky lined up right

 

It's not absolutely necessary I suppose but it's a good idea to tack them up, if anything for reinstallation later.

Correct, and I wish these places would get their sh&* together and tell people this. Most DIY'ers aren't aware of the difference in valve spacing with the LT1.

I think it's a matter of the Isky's being the best option if done correctly, and being done correctly is the hard part with anything "custom". The GMPP plates are easy and work well, they are the "safe" option, just be careful of abnormal wear.