Stekman

Ive got some vortec heads. My question is this: They are self aligning, yes. But what exactly makes them self aligning? Is it the fact that the valve tip protrudes higher above the locks/retainers than normal, non S/A heads? Im assuming they are standard 11/32" valves. If so can i just toss in any old 11/32" 1.94/1.5 valve and be good? Im planning on using comp/crane/manley/etc.. hardware. After its all said and done, will they still be self aligning?

And is there any way to make them so that "normal" pro mags will work? like pro mags for perim. bolt valve covers? I know the screw in stud/guideplate stuff already.

I guess my ultimate question is: what makes them self aligning and is there a way to change that?

z_power

If you install studs/guideplates and hardened pushrods, then you got everything needed for NSA rockers. You can also use "ordinary" valves or stay with "higher" tips which work OK with both types of rockers; shorter ones are not so universal because they don't allow s/a rocker tip to "engage" properly.
One thing you have to consider is little tweaking of centerbolt valve covers or using taller ones for clearance with Pro Magnums.

MrDude_1

self aligning heads dont have any method machined into them to hold the pushrod still... so the rocker is what keeps the pushrod there.


with non self aligning, you have guideplates, or machined holes in the head holding the pushrod (and therefore the rocker) in place.


if you add some guideplates to your vortecs, you can run non self aligning valvetrain components..... but you CANNOT run self aligning rockers AND guideplates.