Please excuse my lack of knowledge but I was looking at a picture at my heads and I noticed I don't have guide plates. Does that mean these are self aligning rockers?

 

It is advised to use Self-Aligning rockers I have seen people use Non self aligning aswell some had issues and some didn't. Play it safe and get SA.
What are you running now,hard to see by the angle of your pic? Any issues with them?

 

Honestly I am not sure I bought the car about 6 months ago. Mechanically it seemed very solid but it needed interior and some body work. I could not get all the info about the car but I do know it has 882 heads that I am looking to replace. The rockers are comp cams 1.5 roller rockers. As I am learning I found out most heads without self aligning rockers use guide plates but I did not see any on mine. The car is in storage so I can check it later but I was not sure if someone could tell by looking. Unfortunately this is the only other picture I have. I have had no issues. I know I have a 500 lift cam and I was told the springs were good to a 600 lift but other than that I don't know anything about them.

Right now I am looking at some 14011034 bowtie phase 2 heads to replace mine or maybe some dart 165cc s/r but I am not sure what would be better.

 

Most factory heads don't use guide plates. If you look closely, you'll see that the push rod holes are narrow with flat sides. The holes themselves serve the purpose of guiding the push rod. Sort of a poor man's, half a** guide plate.

 

Ok I get it now thanks for the info. I am learning slowly. I am more of a motorcycle V4 guy. Those are my real speed toys I have one what should be putting down about 160whp this spring.

I really just want about 350-400 hp out of my small block 3rd gen so I am doing a lot of research,

 

If you plan on 350-400 and you have already decided to get new heads you should take a look at the TFS 21° head they are NICE........ I strongly suggest a bigger camshaft.

 

Right now I have a 355 with a 500 lift cam. I want it to be fairly mild and a budget build. I think I may have found my solution I just need a new manifold. and Yea I know bigger cam and other happyness but with my 4 motorcycles costing me and my wife back in school I really cannot afford more than 1000 installed for new heads.


here is what I am thinking http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-C...Q5fAccessories

 

Even for a good set of heads, the Performer RPM should be plenty of manifold. Atleast up to 6,500 rpm. With your cam and even decent heads, I dont see you making power too much past that. The next step in manifolds is the Victor single plane style. The single plane is really just for high rpm power and will take away mid range torque. You will find that a good set of heads will make all the difference in the world with your current setup.

 

Yea the only reason i said I might need a new manifold is I am thinking about getting vortec heads

 

Oh! LOL Of course. Vortecs are a good performance value.