What is the difference between self aligning and non self aligning roller rockers? I know nsa's need guide plates. Does anything special need to be done to the heads to bolt them on? What are the advantages/dis advantages of each? Thanks in advance for the enlightenment

 

http://www.compcams.com/technical/Ca...106-07/269.pdf

In the pdf above, notice the "lips" around the part of the rocker that contacts the valve stem top. It keeps the rocker centered on the stem.
With NSA's, you don't have that, but instead use guide plates that basically keep the pushrod in a fixed place.
Depending on the spring and retainer setup, the "lip" on SA rockers can contact the retainer or the locks, so with the NSAs you can essentially get a higher sping install height without having head work done to some extent. NSA have less weight too.

 

people also say that at higher rpm's the tabs that hold sa in place can break

 

I've had the tabs on aluminum self-aligns brake and rotate. Damages the valve tip. Not very nice. Stainless steel (comp cams) have the tips as part ot the casting. Quieter than the aluminum with tabs.

 

How about deleting this duplicate thread, tonka toy?

http://64.65.63.61/forums/showthread.php?t=542241

 

Sorry shoebox I am computer illiterate But I'm learnin! Thanks for the heads up.