Are there any geometry or dimension problems if I remove the guideplates, which lowers the studs, and use self aligning rockers? Would I have to shim the studs back up?

 

only studs i've used are ARPs and to use them with out guide plates i had to use a counter sink on the top of the hole and a 7/16" drill to cut out a few threads at the top of the hole. i ithnk it's be easier to just hack up your guide plates to eliminate the push rod slot or use a washer, but i've never tried that.

 

I have the vette aluminum heads with screw-in studs and guideplates. If I take the studs out, remove the plates and screw the studs back in, will this cause any problems? Is replacing the rockers with self-centering the only parts I will need to make this change?

 

reread my reply, i doubt that the gm studs will screw all the way in and the hex sit flat on the boss. take one out and see. as far as clearance or geometry problems i doubt if you have any, most guide plates run around .060 or so and there ought to be enough thread to make up for that

 

Ah, now we are on the same wavelength. Got what you said and got my answer too. Thanks