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.

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.

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?

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).

Re: self aligning rocker arms?
 

i'll have to take a valve cover off and look, but i know the heads are pre 87.

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?

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".

Re: self aligning rocker arms?
 

I thought that myth was busted. GM used SA rockers with narrow slots. I'd call the rocker mfg and ask what they say.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/atta...ign_slot01.jpg

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.

Re: self aligning rocker arms?
 

Not from 87 and later. Here's a pic of 350 TPI 083 heads with the slots. You can see from the pic that they are narrower than the studs. i believe these heads also came with SA rockers.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/atta...s-im000546.jpg

Re: self aligning rocker arms?
 

Ok, so like I said earlier:
pre 1987 - non-SA rockers
Post 1987 - SA rockers

Right?

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..

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.

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?

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. :2cents:

Re: self aligning rocker arms?
 

If you need self alligning rockers, you can also use guideplates with normal rockers instead. Guideplates mean you should use hardened pushrods, though. So keep that in mind.

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?

Re: self aligning rocker arms?
 

That head has guideplates, so you want non-SA rockers.

Re: self aligning rocker arms?
 

could i still use the SA rockers or would that hurt me in any way?

Re: self aligning rocker arms?
 

The two alignment methods might disagree and you'd have things binding.

Re: self aligning rocker arms?
 

i will defently go with the non SA rockers now thanks alot for ur help

Re: self aligning rocker arms?
 

cool i have a pretty clear answer now and understanding of self aligning rockers. thanks guys.