Does this head/rocker setup need guide plates?

xm20k · Apr 15, 2026

5/16 diameter push rod and a set of guide plates at .450 lift I don't think there would be an issue as long as you've got the correct length pushrod.

1lejohn · Apr 15, 2026

I installed the Vortech heads with a retro fit HYD. roller cam on my old 350. I used the self-aligning rockers. They are the 1.52's . My lift on the cam is about .480. I installed springs as well. I did not drill out the pushrod hole, nor did I add screw in studs. I have not had any Issues with this set up. It's been over 5 years of daily driving the truck.

They recommend screw in studs when over .500 lift and or higher spring pressures. Alot of this depends on the use of the engine. If you are drag racing, then yes, you should build the valve train for high rpm use. In my old truck it rarely sees over 4k rpm. I will get the spring and push rod info for you if interested.

Truck82 · Apr 19, 2026

1lejohn said:
I installed the Vortech heads with a retro fit HYD. roller cam on my old 350. I used the self-aligning rockers. They are the 1.52's . My lift on the cam is about .480. I installed springs as well. I did not drill out the pushrod hole, nor did I add screw in studs. I have not had any Issues with this set up. It's been over 5 years of daily driving the truck.

They recommend screw in studs when over .500 lift and or higher spring pressures. Alot of this depends on the use of the engine. If you are drag racing, then yes, you should build the valve train for high rpm use. In my old truck it rarely sees over 4k rpm. I will get the spring and push rod info for you if interested.

Yeah I did screw is studs because I have some tighter springs so I can run a bigger cam in the future. I’d be interested in that info if it’s not a problem for you, thanks I appreciate it

1lejohn · Apr 24, 2026

Truck82 said:
Yeah I did screw is studs because I have some tighter springs so I can run a bigger cam in the future. I’d be interested in that info if it’s not a problem for you, thanks I appreciate it

I am running the stock springs that came on the heads. They were new GM castings. The pushrods are for a stock roller cam gen 1 Chevy motor. I had to run the reto lifters. Non roller block. They came from Howard’s cams. They are $$. The cam is the Chevy HT 383 cam. It also cam in the ram jet engine. I also had to run a timing chain cover with a thrust button. It’s a Cloythes.

1lejohn · Apr 24, 2026

Take a look on YouTube for a guy called piss cutter’s performance. I think the name has changed but it should still pull it up. He’s a guru on the cheap vortech head builds.

1lejohn · Apr 24, 2026

The pushrods are 7.2 inches long . The rockers are roller tipped cast steel. PDQ or something like that. They were the cheapest out there. Good luck with you build.

Craig Nedrow · Apr 29, 2026

Valve geometry’s critical. I have a step by step for the 489 BB and will give a link. It is not to hard to do, and you may be fine, but if it were me, I would still check the pattern, go here: https://www.gmsquarebody.com/threads/bbc-489-build.45389/page-6 start at post 76. The goal is to keep the rocker on the center of the valve stem. Look at the pics.

Does this head/rocker setup need guide plates?

xm20k

Runs on 93 octane, caffeine, and spite

1lejohn

Full Access Member

Truck82

Full Access Member

1lejohn

Full Access Member

1lejohn

Full Access Member

1lejohn

Full Access Member

Craig Nedrow

NADAR UNDER THE RADAR

Similar threads

Latest posts

Forum statistics