I'm at the point of determining my push rod length with new new AFR small block heads. The factory supplied guide plates seem to have the intake rocker arm set up "straight" or perpendicular to the long axis of the head, while the exhaust rocker is a bit off center (see photo). Has anybody had this problem? It seems I could adjust this by drilling out the holes in teh guide plates that the rocker stud goes through, which would let the guide plate slide a little more toward the front of the engine. Then again, this would make the intake rocker a little off. So, do I set it up with each rocker slightly off center, or just keep it like it is from the factory? AFR hasn't been much help on this one.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid216/pe8560d2ee7465f66ce59dcd1499f4dbe/ecab99fb.jpg

Thanks for any ideas-Dave.

I have the same problem on my 180cc heads. When I asked about the same problem here, I was advised to use the Isky Adjustable guideplate HERE (http://store.summitracing.com/egnsearch.asp?N=700+115+300838&D=300838)

I was also told that the valves were rolled a couple of degrees on all aftermarket heads to achieve flow numbers. I had emailed Tony Mamo of AFR about the new heads, and he stated they were stock configuration.

Dave, sorry to be OT but when did you receive those heads, and when did you order them? Just trying to guess when mine will show up.

I got them back in March or so, just now getting to the point of install after a lot of other work. So they are the "old" style AFR 180s, not eliminators. I just kept calling places until I found a dealer who just received some. Very few of the dealers listed actually had AFR heads on the shelf.

at one time the heads were shipped with insts. telling you that the guide plates (rocker studs loosened) needed to be moved around a little to make a good alighn.-they are just bolted down orig., not ment to be adjusted
i have in the past cut and welded them for an exact fit, lot of work
try and loosen the studs, see if you can move it around a little and help

After calling AFR, I tried this, however there is not enough hole in the guide plate to get the push rod grooves centered with both rockers square. There is a little bit of material to work with (maybe 1/4") outside of the rocker stud holes in the guide plates. That's why I wondered if I just wallered out the holes 1/8" or so with a drill bit, is this any different than buying adjustable guide plates, as long as I have enough material left on the outside of the plate?

those guide plates are hard, no fun to drill. get some of the Isky's mentioned. Frankly, I don't understand why these shops can't do a little better on this. They know where the studs and guides are.

I have battled the same issue on a set of Trick Flow 195's. You figured they would do better than that.

I have been running mine like that with roller rockers for about 3000 miles. No problems yet.

These heads aren't cheap, why can't they do better!!!!!!

Typical problem with aftermarket performance heads.
I've used the Isky adjustable guideplates a couple times with satisfactory results.
You might want to consider welding the two sections together after getting them positioned.

I have the same problem with my R-215 Trickflow heads. Talked to my machine shop, he stated sometimes you just have to live with it. I totally agee though, with all the computer guided laser technology it is not like they cant put the dang holes in the right places :))

I trashed a drill bit last night trying to enlarge the hole. I can't believe the $20 part doesn't work on my $1300 heads from the factory. Guess I'll try the adjustable plates. I wanted to get the alignment right to check the pushrod length, now I'll have to order the plates, get the rockers straight, then order pushrods. I know, stop crying about it.

Dave, IMO you a legit complaint.

Seems like they would come with the Isky guide plates if AFR(or Trickflow or RHS or whoever) already knows you need them? I had the same issues with my Pro Topline BBC heads. Ended up going with Yella Terra pedastal/shaft mount rockers that don't use guide plates.

Let me cut AFR a little "slack", they've got much company here. I'm surprised more of you guys up here (with the SB's/std. roller rocker combo) aren't using the Crane "offsets" in conjunction with the Isky guide plates. I've placed a photo below of a very common setup we use. I have a SB with Brodixs' on the dyno now with these in the picture. We "moved" the intake ports
"sideways" to pick up some free HP and solve two "major" issues at the same time with these pieces.

As I said, we use them mainly for this reason, moving the ports, but, it also allows much lateral alignment for the roller tips and valve tips.

I've gotten so many calls about these two problems over the years that we decided a while ago to put our own kit number in the computer as an available option for our units. Crane 7/16" rockers (offset-intakes) and Isky (adjustable) plates. Thanks, Gary in N.Y.

P.S. I wouldn't rely on "stock" rockers too much for fit/clearance/alignment. If you move 16 around you may find they all fit different. Not good practice!

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b28/GOSFAST/PES%20Engines/th_RockerArms-Offset.jpg (http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b28/GOSFAST/PES%20Engines/RockerArms-Offset.jpg)