I bought vortec heads that were machined for screw in studs and guide plates. But I just realized I can't use the guid plates because I'm using self aligning rocker arms. Do I put spacers the thickness of the guide plate under the stud when I put the studs in or will it be fine without them. I installed the studs and it didn't bottom out. I'm wondering because I did a search on the boards and found out they machine .4" from the the stud boss. I got ARP screw in studs, Do I need longer studs or something?

Thanks for any help.

 

if the studs are the same as the ones i've used from arp there is a radius under the hex and a larger unthreaded diameter that will keep the stud from fully seating. on mine i just used a cheap set of guide plates and cut the part the push rod goes through so the studs fit correctly. a washer most likely would of done the same thing.

 

I already have the guide plates so I guess that is an option but I was hoping I could get my money back on them. It looks like the hex part of the stud is flat against the head. If it isn't, it's at most like 1/16 off of it. I torqued them down to 55 ft. lbs. and used assembly lube on it like the instructions said.

 

I called up the place where I bought the rocker arms and I'm going to send them back and order Harland Sharp roller rocker arms. I'll save about 70 bucks including shipping, so I'm happy. That's money for the water pump.