What is the difference between self-aligning roller rockers and the regular ones? Which one should i get, i'm putting them on world torquer 305 with the centerbolt valve covers.
Do i need guidplates or what for the roller rockers?
Thanks
KD

 

self aligning rockers = no guide plates

non-self aligning = guide plates

 

well, which one would be better for my application (on the heads with center bolt valve covers? For self alligning, i just screw the rockers into the stud?

 

I like how RB83L69 has exlpained it.


"There are 3 systems available to locate the rockers on the valves. One, and only one, must be in effect at any one time.

narrow slots in the heads that fit tight to the push rods, no guide plates, and non-SA rockers;
big holes in the heads for the push rods, guide plates, and non-SA rockers; or
big holes in the heads, no guide plates, and SA rockers.
SA rockers were introduced on the SBC in 87. Before that, from 55 to 86, nearly all SBCs had method #1. For racing, method #2 is more stable, since the guide point is moved much closer to the end of the push rod, therefore the push rod can't bend and allow the rocker to move around to somewhere it's not supposed to.

Look at the heads. If they have little slotsfor the push rods that only clear the rods by .015" or less, then you must not use self-aligning rockers. If you have the big holes, but your heads have guide plates, then you must not use SA rockers either. If your heads have big holes but no guide plates, then you must use SA rockers. "