I'm considering buying some ported heads, they have 7/16 studs with guideplates. I already have 3/8 self aligning rockers that i'd like to use (plus my cam isn't gonna rev too high) so i'd like to switch back to 3/8 studs and run the SA rockers without the guideplates. Is there any reason this won't be possible? The head holes are 7/16 for the studs so the only part that changes is the top of the rocker stud correct? Is there any machining or anything that is done for the guideplates that won't allow me to do what i'm planning? Just want to be sure i don't buy heads that won't work with what i want to do. Thanks...

 

Swap the studs, remove the guideplates and you should be good to go. Yes, the bottom threads on the studs are the same.

 

Better check the springs. If the heads are set up to run NSA rockers there is
a fair chance the springs will not clear SA rockers. If you are going for big HP
the 7/16 studs are stiffer and will make for a more stable valve train at high
RPM's.

 

issca, why wouldn't they clear the the SA rockers? I plan to keep the RPMs fairly low, that's why i'm going with SA's and 3/8 studs. I'll be sure to check out that out but i'm wondering what the difference would be? I've ran these same springs with SA rockers before on a different car and it was no problem... Thanks for your thoughts.

As far as reinstalling the new studs, what's the procedure? Threadlock, torque, etc. Thanks guys

 

65 ft lbs, and tread sealer. Change the guideplates. Anytime you change heads, you need to check the valve springs. If the springs are stronger then your current spring setup, you could have premature cam and lifter issues.

 

Rocker arm stud torque is 50 lb. ft.

 

thanks Shoebox. Heads and cam will be swapped at the same time. Valvesprings on the new heads are good for the cam i'm running, i've used them with stock heads before with a similar cam. Heads are stock LT1 heads with a mild port job and manley race flo valves. 2.0 and 1.56...

 

I would check the rocker arm footprint on the valve tip, also, if the heads have a different casting number you might want to double check all clearences and maybe cc the combustion chambers and compare the pushrod lenghts. Good luck!