SBC rocker upgrade advice needed

[ian_uk1975]

I want to upgrade my stamped steel rockers to roller rockers. Question is, do I need self-aligning rockers, or not? My understanding is that SA rockers are generally required if the head does not have guideplates (which my heads don't have). However, I've read conflicting statements regarding whether SA rockers are needed, or not. So, I've attached a pic of one of my heads below, with the pushrod and rocker removed from #8. Comments?



Cheers,
Ian.

[mike huddart]

Originally Posted by ian_uk1975

I want to upgrade my stamped steel rockers to roller rockers. Question is, do I need self-aligning rockers, or not? My understanding is that SA rockers are generally required if the head does not have guideplates (which my heads don't have). However, I've read conflicting statements regarding whether SA rockers are needed, or not. So, I've attached a pic of one of my heads below, with the pushrod and rocker removed from #8. Comments?



Cheers,
Ian.

Ian,
those are self aligning rockers but someone has converted the heads to screw in studs so in theory you could use guide plates with that setup and regular rockers. However the pushrod holes look a bit on the small side so you might end up with an alignment problem unless you enlarged them, thats a head off job though.
Oh, and seeing your looking for comments thats #2 not #8
Regards Mike

[ian_uk1975]

Originally Posted by mike huddart

Ian,
those are self aligning rockers but someone has converted the heads to screw in studs so in theory you could use guide plates with that setup and regular rockers. However the pushrod holes look a bit on the small side so you might end up with an alignment problem unless you enlarged them, thats a head off job though.
Oh, and seeing your looking for comments thats #2 not #8
Regards Mike

Oops, I meant #2! That's embarrassing.

So, I need self-aligning rockers with my current set-up, or ditch the current heads, buy some Patriots from you and get some normal roller rockers Before I do that though, I need to whip these heads off, ascertain what pistons I have, measure my deck height and quench, cc my chambers and figure-out what chamber size I'm going to need if I upgrade the heads. Heck, I also need to measure cam lobe lift with a dial gauge to establish (beyond reasonable doubt) what cam I've got (although I'm pretty sure it's a Performer RPM).

Cheers,
Ian.

[mike huddart]

Ian,
no, you could use normal rockers if you fit guide plates and some of the work(screw in studs) has allready been done.
Mike

[ian_uk1975]

Originally Posted by mike huddart

Ian,
no, you could use normal rockers if you fit guide plates and some of the work(screw in studs) has allready been done.
Mike

Not sure I want to goto the hassle of fitting guideplates and, potentially, running into binding problems requiring machine work to the heads. Once I've ascertained where I'm at wrt. pistons, deck height, quench and cam, I suspect a new set of heads maybe the order of the day.

Cheers,
Ian.

[Purple AK]

Originally Posted by ian_uk1975

Not sure I want to goto the hassle of fitting guideplates and, potentially, running into binding problems requiring machine work to the heads. Once I've ascertained where I'm at wrt. pistons, deck height, quench and cam, I suspect a new set of heads maybe the order of the day.

Cheers,
Ian.

Ian. Talk to Jez @ Custom Power & Paint 01797366900 He built the engine for BAE and should remember the original spec and any alterations hence

[ian_uk1975]

Originally Posted by Purple AK

Ian. Talk to Jez @ Custom Power & Paint 01797366900 He built the engine for BAE and should remember the original spec and any alterations hence

Yea, I could give Jez another call, but, in all fairness, he doesn't have the build sheet (taken with loads of other paperwork when his original premises was burgled several years ago). He may remember PRETTY-MUCH what the spec is, but he can't be certain down to the kind of detail level I need to make an informed decision about new heads, etc, hence the detective work I need to do to remove any uncertainty from the equation. For instance, Jez can't be sure if I've got domed or flat pistons; he thinks I've probably got domed. However, Ian @ BAE reckons I've got flat. How can I be sure? Whip the heads off and look for myself

Cheers,
Ian.