self aligning rocker arms?
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Car: 1991 Formula
Engine: 5.7
Transmission: 700R4
self aligning rocker arms?
How do i know if i need the self aligning ones or non self aligning? I have a 4 bolt 350 with a flat tappet cam and oem chevy heads. cam is very mild. looking to get some roller tip rockers arms.
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Car: 92 trans am clone
Engine: LO3
Transmission: 700r4
Re: self aligning rocker arms?
pull a valve cover off and check the hole which the pushrods go through. if they barely fit side to side then non self aligning but if its a big hole then youll need either self aligners rockers or guide plates.
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Car: 1991 Formula
Engine: 5.7
Transmission: 700R4
Re: self aligning rocker arms?
ok, so really this is a matter of keeping the pushrod aligned correctly with little play.. So the hole in which the pushrod feeds through on the head is the one i need to look at correct? And if the pushrod looks like it is snug with no room to play then i don't need self aligning. righ tso far?
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Car: 1982 Trans-Am
Engine: 355 w/ ported 416s
Transmission: T10, hurst shifter
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt, true-trac, 3.73
Re: self aligning rocker arms?
Correct.
If it's a slot then normal rockers, if it's a round hole, then self aligning.
Pre 1987 factory heads typically used normal rockers, after that, or aftermarket heads usually need the SA rockers (or guideplates).
If it's a slot then normal rockers, if it's a round hole, then self aligning.
Pre 1987 factory heads typically used normal rockers, after that, or aftermarket heads usually need the SA rockers (or guideplates).
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Car: 1991 Formula
Engine: 5.7
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Re: self aligning rocker arms?
one more quick question, should i buy new pushrods when i change the rocker arms? if so is there a standard size, or does it vary from engine?
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Car: 1982 Trans-Am
Engine: 355 w/ ported 416s
Transmission: T10, hurst shifter
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt, true-trac, 3.73
Re: self aligning rocker arms?
I wouldn't bother.
If you feel like it, you can get a pushrod length checking tool and use that, then get custom made ones that are EXACTLY the right length. But if you've got a normal (non-custom) shortblock then normal pushrods should be "right".
If you feel like it, you can get a pushrod length checking tool and use that, then get custom made ones that are EXACTLY the right length. But if you've got a normal (non-custom) shortblock then normal pushrods should be "right".
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Car: 1982 Trans-Am
Engine: 355 w/ ported 416s
Transmission: T10, hurst shifter
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt, true-trac, 3.73
Re: self aligning rocker arms?
Uhh, yea, that's right. Ok, well most of the time the slots were used with normal non SA rockers.
And if you have giant gaping holes, you CAN'T use non-SA rockers. That's the gist of it.
And if you have giant gaping holes, you CAN'T use non-SA rockers. That's the gist of it.
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Re: self aligning rocker arms?
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Car: 1982 Trans-Am
Engine: 355 w/ ported 416s
Transmission: T10, hurst shifter
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt, true-trac, 3.73
Re: self aligning rocker arms?
Ok, so like I said earlier:
pre 1987 - non-SA rockers
Post 1987 - SA rockers
Right?
pre 1987 - non-SA rockers
Post 1987 - SA rockers
Right?
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Car: 1991 Formula
Engine: 5.7
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Re: self aligning rocker arms?
so the first pic was an example of a tight slot pushrod hole that doesn't need self aligning rockers? anyone have an example of the two.. just to make it perfectly clear..
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Car: 1982 Trans-Am
Engine: 355 w/ ported 416s
Transmission: T10, hurst shifter
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt, true-trac, 3.73
Re: self aligning rocker arms?
Both pictures are examples of the tight pushrod slot.
The other one is.... picture a 1/2" drill bit going through the center of that slot. That's what it would look like. It's REALLY easy to tell the difference, one is a giant ROUND hole, the other is a SLOT.
The other one is.... picture a 1/2" drill bit going through the center of that slot. That's what it would look like. It's REALLY easy to tell the difference, one is a giant ROUND hole, the other is a SLOT.
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Re: self aligning rocker arms?
Yes, but is there any reason to say pre 1987 heads with the slots use non SA rockers? Its true they didn't come with them, but GM didn't have any prior to 87. I don't see any reason to make a distintion. Are you aware of any reason to say "pre 1987 - non-SA rockers" other than they weren't available at that time?
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Car: 1982 Trans-Am
Engine: 355 w/ ported 416s
Transmission: T10, hurst shifter
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt, true-trac, 3.73
Re: self aligning rocker arms?
Oh, I see what you're driving at. I suppose not. Typically self aligning is more expensive, and if they didn't need them from the factory, then I wouldn't go out of my way to get them.
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Car: 89 irocz
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 373
Re: self aligning rocker arms?
hear is a pic of a 96 head
im using these heads on my build so would i want SA rockers?
im using these heads on my build so would i want SA rockers?
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Car: 89 irocz
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Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
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Re: self aligning rocker arms?
The two alignment methods might disagree and you'd have things binding.
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Car: 89 irocz
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Transmission: 700R4
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Re: self aligning rocker arms?
i will defently go with the non SA rockers now thanks alot for ur help
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