I was curious if there are factory guideplates on these heads. I am trying to decide what pushrods to use. I do not know if they are hardened guideplates or not. They have a number stamped on them which is "05 P". I do not want to wear the guideplates out or pushrods. Also, can I use washers on the factory head bolts or do I need to buy some new ones. I do not want to mess up these heads. Thanks, BranT

 

The Corvette heads do come with guideplates. The vast majority are not hardened, but some of the very early production heads were an exception. The conservative approach would be to change the factory guideplates for some new hardened guideplates. That way you can be sure.

 

Take a regular ol file to the guideplate. If it cuts right in, its not hardened. If it just slides across and does basically nothing, then they are hardened. Do that somewhere other than where the pushrods ride of course
As for washers... I bought a new set of ARP head bolts with washers, I am thinking it was like $50. Was worth it to me.
Oh, and while I am talking about washers... most head bolts have a fillet just under the head of the bolt, so the washers have a tapered side that keeps the washer away from the fillet when tightening the bolt. This is kind of important, because if the washer hits the fillet it can screw up the torque reading.

[This message has been edited by madmax (edited November 30, 2000).]