Any reason why shouldn't use guide plates with self-aligning rockers?

I just bought a set of heads that has guide plates installed, but I had already bought self aligning rockers and was wondering if I should remove the guide plates or not?

James

 

should work fine.. just make sure you have hardened pushrods.

 

Thanks... Yep I already have hardened push rods ready to install too.

 

I wouldn't do it, unless you are looking for problems, like binding problems. Depending on the guide plates in use, alignment can be noticeably off. Better check it first. Even if ideal alignment is obtained with the guide plates used, I still would not recommend it. No point to it really. FWIW, given the choice, I would much rather have guide plates in lieu of SA rocker arms.

 

I agree with Arnie! I have always read that guide plates w/ sa rockers can cause binding/broken valve train. I too prefer non sa rockers with guide plates.

 

Thanks for the replies, but now I am more confused than before, since I have heard multiple conficting reports.

However...next question.

Can you visually tell the difference between self aligning rockers and non-self aligning rockers?

I already own, but haven't opened yet the SA rockers.

 

Self aligning usually have some sort of guide on them to keep the tip centered on the valve stem. See the protrusions in this pic. NSA rockers don't have those.

Never thought about it before (mostly because I never really considered running guideplates with SA rockers), but after reading this thread, I can see that there could be a conflict. If the geometry the guideplate was trying to maintain was not exactly as what the SA rocker was, they would work against each other.

 

Do not use both self aligning rockers and push rod guide plates!!!
As the valve opens and closes there are slight induced side loads on the valve stem bushing caused by alignment changes of the lifter, push rod, valve.
With NSA rockers and guide plates the roller tip slides across the valve stem. With SA rockers the push rod is allowed to move slightly.
With both SA rockers and guide plates the induced side loads can cause premature valve stem/bushing and/or push rod/guide plate ware.

 

Thanks Shoe.... Probably enough reason not too.

I haven't opened my self aligning ones so I didn't know how to tell the differences.

 

IM confused too now.. my car is at the shop now and he is using SA roller's and guide plates and of course harden push rods but he as told me time after time not to worry about using the plates with SA rockers he said they make 2 different style's and he also told me that it would work fine so who is right or who is wrong...I guess i have to go with the shop he only builds LT1'S AND LS1's and some radical cars ..check his site WWW.CARTEK.NET

 

Forgive me if I personally am not impressed with any big name. I've seen the work of a big name pro (highly respected on this forum btw) that had rockers set up off by half a valve stem. (based on the roller tip wear pattern) AFAIC, SA rockers w/guide plates is foolish redundancy. But then, I'm a small time nobody, so you can take what I say with a 'grain of salt'. It's your call, but if it were me, I'd check the work that was done.

OK, impressed was a poor choice for a word. I should have stated, in awe.

 

I've been impressed with "some" big names.

Anyone who doesn't know how to set-up for correct valvetrain geometry doesn't deserve the "big name" title.

-Mindgame

 

i have heard its just extra security to run SA with guideplates but after looking at the pics i can see where there could be some issues of them binding on the valve stem. i know my NSA dont line up exactly straight on the stem and had i used SA i think id have a big problem so i suppose it is best not to use guideplates.

 

Well you know i dont know that much about LT1's so i will leave it up to the shop doing my car i will be running there stage 2 head and making upward of 6 to 7psi so i hope it just holds toegther so now im really confused ....

 

Man! You always have to watch how you phrase things on this site.
I should have said, that it's not necessary to use both.
If you have the hardened push rods you probably wont see any excessive ware for many thousands of miles if at all. Its just one of those little detail things that drive us perfectionist nuts.