Hey guys quick question, I've got an iron 370 LS with LSA heads(hasn't been fired up yet) and I'm gonna be switching up from 5/16" pushrods to 11/32" pushrods for better stability. Apparently nobody makes guideplates for that size rod so can I just open up the slots with a file or shave it with a zip disc?? What would be the best course of action here?? Why and all opinions welcome. Thanks everyone have fun

 

I dont see why not. Its common to use adjustable guideplates for sbc so idk why you couldnt open up the slots for the larger pushrod

 

Guideplates on an LS? Am I missing soemthing? Or are you saying that the provisions in the head aren't large enough? If so , then yes you can massage them to get the larger pushrod through.

 

Yea I'm running guideplates. Not the typical bolt down style rocker arm. I've got Lunati Voodoo roller rockers on studs

 

I don't know if all or some aftermarket guideplates are surface hardened BUT I do know that gm used steel pushrods holders for assembly(guideplates) on the SA rockers C4 corvette 113 heads and they would wear pretty fast because they weren't hard enough as the actual guideplates used before the SA rocker on C4 Corvette 128 heads(not sure if it was all 128 head but I know my 86 a half year was).

So I'd contact a place that makes guideplates and ask.

I had a friend who bought cheap generic plates that were too tight for 5/16 pushrods, so he opened them up BUT before he ran them. I noticed them while helping him with pushrod length and gave him some comp cam fixed plates that I had, for fear that his would just open themselves up more. Still I've had comp cam adjustable guideplates wear grooves in no time(must of been a bad batch) replace them with Jomar and no problems on that engine, also used Isky w/o issue.

Only found this thread because I am too wondering if anyone made a 11/32

 

My opinion - the guideplates are made from steel, and then surface hardened. If you do any grinding, you will cut right through the hardened surface and be right back to plain mild steel, which will wear quickly. To do what you are proposing would require having the guideplates re-hardened after grinding.