When are Guideplates and Hardened Pushrods NOT Needed?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
When are Guideplates and Hardened Pushrods NOT Needed?
I bought a set of DART Iron Eagle 180cc heads and plan to install them with a set of Jet-Hot Hedman headers this weekend. I started 'ripping and stripping' the engine (in the car) last evening and my goal is to be ready to set the new heads on the block by Saturday morning after working 1-2 hours each evening.
The new heads have screw-in studs and guideplates. I didn't use guideplates with my '882' heads, I'm not increasing rocker ratio (keeping at 1.5, stamped steel rockers) and my cam duration at .050 is 216 (also unchanged).
My question is: are the guideplates a necessity? I understand that hardened pushrods are necessary if the guideplates are retained.
I bought a set of hardened pushrods but I am not comfortable with the press-in ends on each pushrod (can come loose, resulting in varying lash and potential source for failure as I have read in some of the speed mags). My current Speed-Pro pushrods (installed new during my '99 rebuild) are all one-piece items; probably not hardened.
The new heads have screw-in studs and guideplates. I didn't use guideplates with my '882' heads, I'm not increasing rocker ratio (keeping at 1.5, stamped steel rockers) and my cam duration at .050 is 216 (also unchanged).
My question is: are the guideplates a necessity? I understand that hardened pushrods are necessary if the guideplates are retained.
I bought a set of hardened pushrods but I am not comfortable with the press-in ends on each pushrod (can come loose, resulting in varying lash and potential source for failure as I have read in some of the speed mags). My current Speed-Pro pushrods (installed new during my '99 rebuild) are all one-piece items; probably not hardened.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 4,143
Likes: 0
Re: When are Guideplates and Hardened Pushrods NOT Needed? (TedH)
non-self-aligning rockers require guideplates....
Since you're going back with stock, stamped steel rockers - don't worry about the guideplates or hardened pushrods. :yesnod: ;) :chevy
Since you're going back with stock, stamped steel rockers - don't worry about the guideplates or hardened pushrods. :yesnod: ;) :chevy
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
Re: When are Guideplates and Hardened Pushrods NOT Needed? (verskel)
I think the guideplates are attached under the screw-in rocker studs. Do I need to apply anything to the screw-in studs after removing the guideplates? If so, what and what torque should I apply to re-torque the rocker studs?
Moderator
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 7,117
Likes: 51
From: Dove Mountain Arizona
Re: When are Guideplates and Hardened Pushrods NOT Needed? (TedH)
I didn't even think you could buy non-hardened aftermarket push rods any more. Check with the Speed-Pro guys, I'll bet they are hardened.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,041
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, KS
Re: When are Guideplates and Hardened Pushrods NOT Needed? (TedH)
All small block Chevy pushrods are hardened. They have to be to work in the narrow slots the factory puts in the stock heads. Leave the guide plates in place. If you take them out you run the risk of bottoming out the studs in the head. This is a bad, expensive thing!
Your stock pushrods will work fine in the new heads.
Your stock pushrods will work fine in the new heads.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 787
Likes: 1
From: Toronto Ontario
Re: When are Guideplates and Hardened Pushrods NOT Needed? (1979toy)
Leave the guide plates in, if they were not needed GM would not have installed them. I asked the same question when I replaced my Cam in my BB a few weeks ago. The engine builder said you must keep the guide plates. Use your stock push rods they will be just fine.
