Ok I currently have stock '92 L98 TPI. I'm putting together a HSR/AFR190/Cam(?) combo, and have decided that I'm going to need new rockers. I've pretty much decided on getting Crane Pro Magnum full roller's, not sure about the ratio but am leaning towards 1.6. I'm going to buy the rockers first and install them so I can justify the purchase, whereas I'll have to just hold on to the major pieces til I can get it together and get it tuned. Here are my questions:

1) My stock rockers are self-aligning, correct?

2) AFR's come with guideplates, so I should buy non-self aligning rockers if I plan to use them on the AFRs, right?

3) Assuming my stock rockers are self aligning, I will need to buy guideplates to use non-self aligning rockers on my stock L98 heads in the mean-time before putting in the AFR's, correct?

4) If I buy the 1.6 rockers and guideplates to use on my L98 heads for now, will I need to mess with my pushrod holes? Some say yes, others say no. I need a definitive answer.

I know some of you would say to open up the pushrod holes just in case, but that requires taking off the head, which is not an option I'm entertaining. I know some of you know whether 1.6 rockers do or do not work on the later L98 heads, I just need to know which. (Don't forget my other questions, though!)

Thanks, guys!

 

1. Yes
2. Yes, you don't need self aligning rockers with guideplates
3. Yes, but I don't know off hand if your heads have screw in rocker studs. They may be pressed in like GM used to do. I don't have much experience with stock heads off of our vintage cars. I usually make them into boat anchors and get something better!
4. Again, I have limited experience with our original heads. I have read the same thing. If it were me, I would pull a valve cover first and see if the rockers are screw in, which I think they are not...and take a peak at the clearance in the head for pushrods.

BTW, its Comp Pro Magnum and you will like them, thats what I run on my engines...

 

I meant to, but I forgot to mention that I already converted to screw in studs

 

Ok I've got a new question. If I decided instead to buy self aligning Pro Magnums, so I wouldnt have to install guideplates on my current heads, can I still use them on the AFR's if I just unscrew the AFR studs and remove the plates? Will it all work out?

I'm trying to avoid having to remove my current heads for now. I had a hard enough time getting a stock rocker to work with a single screw-in stud I used. The clearance was not good, and I had to grind away at the new stud to get it to work. This is why a lot of people mill down the stud bosses first. That requires removing the heads, though. Add on another 1/8 inch for guide plates and I'd be in REALLY bad shape.

So if I go ahead and get self-aligning ones, I should be able to use them later on the AFR's by removing the AFR guideplates, right? Thanks.

 

Simply remove the guide plates, that should work out fine...

Let me see if I understood you. You installed screw in rocker studs without removing the heads so you did not have the rocker bosses milled flat...That sounds like trouble to me...

 

I had to install ONE, to replace one that had pulled out. I tapped the head for that one stud, then tried to install the rocker, and realized quite quickly that it was not going to work. The ARP studs I got are tapered way too much down to the hex head, so I just took a grinder to it and cut down as much taper was necessary to clear the rocker.

Yes, it could have been big trouble if I was careless. Then again, it may not have, but I was careful when I did it to notice things like that, and the job went just fine.

I had intended to replace all the studs (all my extra ARP screw-in studs and poly nuts are just sitting around now), but I didn't know the kind of work involved to make it work properly.

Since I was watchful and careful, it was no problem to make that one stud work, although the job was a little ghetto. I definitely didn't want to do it 16 times over!

When I posted this I wasn't thinking cleary and initially forgot my prior predicament (sp), hence my need to see if self-aligning rockers would be a good way to go now.

Thanks for the reply.

 

Well, you should be fine with the self aligning rockers. I have a set of Sportsman II iron cylinder heads that I would be willing to part with inexpensively. If you are interested send me a PM, if not no biggie. Good luck with your car...

I have a 385 in my 92 and it sure is fun!!

 

Dude I'm trying to send you a PM but its too full. I had a lot of questions but it gave me the stupid "too full" message when I sent it and I lost the whole freakin message

Anyways, here are the questions:

1) Why are you parting with them?
2) What kind of performance were you getting out of them?
3) Did you encounter any problems with them? (A "yes" doesn't mean I won't be interested!)
4) Do they come with valves, springs, and studs?
5) What condition are they in?
6) What cc are the chambers?
7) Have they been ported or anything?
8) What exhaust manifolds were you running with them?
9) Were they standard angle, straight plug, or L98 style angle?
10) How did spark plug servicing go?
11) How much did you pay for them?
12) How much do you want for them?

I think that about does it! Hope you don't mind my playing 21 questions, just trying to ask some wise questions before making a purchase! Thanks!

 

Check your PM.

Sorry about that...