whats the advantages and disadvantages to running them? should i put SA or non SA on my 396? thanks

 

Well this is what I heard. Self aligning is ok for cams up to .550 lift, over that, you need non self aligning. Non aligning is kinda of an SOB, because you have to adjust them every so often.

 

Self aligning have little "ears" on them to keep them centered over the valve tip.. non-self aligning don't and require guideplates or the have the possibility of wandering on the vavle tip.. not sure if that can cause damage but can't be good..

 

i am using SA 1,6 rockers with CC306 Lift is .576..i have no problems

 

I like my SA rockers, you cant hear them over the exhaust anyways.

 

Most engine builders prefer the non-SA for higher hp engines. I honestly don't for sure why that is.

I don't see where having SA or non-SA would make any difference on adjustments though.

 

From what I understand, the NSA versions behave in much the same way as the SA. It's just that they require guideplates. The NSA, however, are much more stable, especially at higher lifts. The SA rockers stay right on top of the valve, but they can move around some on the pushrod end. The guideplates keep the pushrod end in place on the NSA, which keeps the whole rocker aligned better.

The basic reason the manufacturers went to the SA version is for cost. If you don't have to put guideplates on, then you save the cost of the plates, save weight, and save a step in the assembly process. Think about it. If you could save maybe $20 per engine by changing the design, multiply that out by millions of engines, and it becomes a lot of money. Not everything the carmakers do is to make better engines.

BRAD
95 red TA

 

There is no difference in frequency of adjusting that I am aware of.