I am pretty sure you only need these on centerbolt heads but I'm not positive. Also will I have to do any work on the heads with a 1.6 ratio?

thanks

 

Self aligning can be used or you can use guideplates and hardened pushrods. Most 87-88 models up used self aligning types. You have limited options with centerbolt valve covers and they're more expensive because most people use older or aftermarket heads without using centerbolt valve covers. As for 1.6 ratios, in some cases you have to use taller valve covers. Contact Summit's tech line (or whoever you plan to buy from) because each manufacturer will have the info as to whether their product will work with your valve covers or not.

 

no need for the self aligning rockers, you only really need those on the 87 and newer heads, the 85 still uses the old style small block design, also saves you a bunch of money, the standard rollers are about 160$ VS the self aligning which are near 300$ also for the 1.6 rockers you will most likely need to extend the pushrods holes and like jag says most likely need tall valve covers which might cause clearence issues if you have alot of crap in the way (i got the talls on my 400 and there pretty damn tall)

 

Summit sells non-self aligning as low as $98.50 (another $29 for pushrods and $16 for guideplates). Some heads need machine work for use with guideplates. I used self aligning ($192) Comp Cams Magnum Roller rockers. If you order from them, email me and I'll get you a 10% off source code good through Nov. 30 I got with my last order.

 

Thanks Jag, I'll shoot you a line when I decide on everything. Has anyone done this that can recomend a set of tall valve covers that clear everything? How bad is that machine work? Ive heard about the pushrod holes needing a little work...anyone done this with 85 heads that can give me insight on what to expect/buy?

thanks

 

DO NOT use self-aligning rockers if your heads have slots that fit the push rods tight, or if you run guide plates. If you use 1.6 rockers, there's a significant chance that you'll have to elongate the push rod holes in the heads toward the stud, but there's no guarantee of that.

As far as alignment methods, there are 3. You must have one AND ONLY ONE of them in effect. You can use any one of these three combinations:

• the tight-fitting slots (did I say that?) in the heads, no guide plates, and regular rockers
• drill the slot out to a big hole, and use guide plates and regular rockers
• drill out the holes in the head and use no guide plates and self-aligning rockers

Remember, any one of the three will work fine; but if you have 2 or more, you'll be in trouble with something binding somewhere unless you're just extremely lucky.

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"So many Mustangs, so little time..."
ICON Motorsports

 

To set the record straight on when self-aligning rockers were used from GM, the first year was 1988. That makes the 1987 centerbolt head the only year it was used with non-self-aligning rockers.

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Willie

Supercharged 1987 305 IROC-Z, Daily-Driver, Emissions-Legal.
Former Paxton (6-psig) with 50-hp nitrous: 12.043 @ 112.86 mph.
ATI D1SC (10-psig): 12.056 @ 116.62 mph.
All stats are altitude corrected for 3,100 feet using NHRA's Altitude Correction Table.

http://willie.camaro-firebird.org/

1987 "20th Anniversary Commemorative Edition" Z28 Convertible -- Super Chevy Show Class Winner, 1998.

 

86 (up through 91) L98 aluminum heads were centerbolts also. They were the first to make the transformation.

 

I appreciate everyones help

thank you