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Valve tip to rocker arm alignment

5K views 9 replies 6 participants last post by  ricks_67 
#1 ·
I was adjusting the valves on a fresh 396 tonight and noticed that all the intake rocker arms are off center, some worse than others. The exhaust all look good. I'm running Manley guide plates with 3/8 push rods and factory stamped steel rocker arms. I've done a search and have come to the conclusion that aftermarket guide plates are a crap shoot. My question is, should I be concerned since I'm just running stamped steel rocker arms? Will one side of the valve tip wear prematurely? Should I buy GM guide plates to fix the problem or am I concerned for nothing? Thanks for any guidance (pun intended).
 
#4 ·
Doug, Thanks for your input. I never thought of elongating the mounting holes to help the problem a bit, although then they would all be off somewhat. You make it sound as though it is quite important on stamped steel rocker arms to maintain good alignment for things to last. This car will only be driven 1000-1500 miles a year and is a pretty tame unit but I hate to half a$$ anything especially when it comes to durability and longevity.

Keith, yes new GM guide plates are still available @ $6.30 ea. wholesale. Part# 3860038 for 3/8 GEN IV. Unfortunatly they come 5 to a box so you may have to buy all 10.
 
#5 ·
I have a set of merlin heads on my motor. The guide plates that came on the heads were way out of wack, then I was told Comp Cams or manley are the best, same situation. So I tried some GM and the same results. I wound up cutting the CC guide plates putting the heads on the motor setting them up and taking the heads to work to weld the plates together. Then I saw some cracks in the welds after about a year+. I talked to my machinists and he told me 2 things. All the person machining the head has to do is be off 1 degree and it throws everything out and nothing will work. He told me about the Dart 2 piece plates and I installed them. Cost $7.?? from Competition products but the rockers are centered now.

 
#8 ·
I have a set of merlin heads on my motor. The guide plates that came on the heads were way out of wack, then I was told Comp Cams or manley are the best, same situation. So I tried some GM and the same results. I wound up cutting the CC guide plates putting the heads on the motor setting them up and taking the heads to work to weld the plates together. Then I saw some cracks in the welds after about a year+. I talked to my machinists and he told me 2 things. All the person machining the head has to do is be off 1 degree and it throws everything out and nothing will work. He told me about the Dart 2 piece plates and I installed them. Cost $7.?? from Competition products but the rockers are centered now.



Sorry to butt in, but what are those springs in your lifter valley?
 
#9 ·
That is what a Rev Kit looks like. Excellent for Hydraulic rollers to assist with valve float, or Solid rollers to keep the lifter in constant contact with the cam.

I run an Crower on my AFR headed Voodoo 60234 Solid roller 496 with Isky Red Zone EZ roll lifters.
 
#6 ·
Rick, If the GM guide plates don't help the problem I will order the adjustable type. Thanks for your input on the subject. I didn't know the adjustable type were even offered. Always good to learn something new :thumbsup:
 
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