Do I really need guideplates & hardened pushrods?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton Canada
Do I really need guideplates & hardened pushrods?
Hello everyone, thanks for the replies regarding 1.6 roller rockers. I have decided to go with the pro-magnum 1.6's(maybe 7/16stud). My question is since this 383 project is using up my planned budget fast, for the '88 L98 heads do I have to install the guideplates and hardened pushrods as well? I have noticed that the majority of you have done this to the LT1 heads, can I get by without this? I plan on retaining my factory lifters(good shape still)and compcams springs(forgot part#). What else from the factory set-up can/should I use?? Thanks in advance for the replies!!! :confused:
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Do I really need guideplates & hardened pushrods? (Ivan383)
Yes you will need hardened guide plates and push rods with those ProMagnums.
Depending on your cam's lift you may need to shim the springs for a little more seat pressure. Comp Cams can advise you on this.
Depending on your cam's lift you may need to shim the springs for a little more seat pressure. Comp Cams can advise you on this.
Pro
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 515
Likes: 0
From: Nashua NH
Re: Do I really need guideplates & hardened pushrods? (Ivan383)
I spoke with a rep from Comp Cams, and he told me that as long as the pushrod holes are slotted, instead of round (which is what the L98 heads are) you don't have to run guide plates. Also, to run guide plates, you need the heads to be machined for screw-in rocker studs.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Do I really need guideplates & hardened pushrods? (Ivan383)
Your stock rockers are self-aligning; the stock guide plates were left there from assembly time. You DO need guide plates without self-aligning rockers, on our #113 heads the head slots are not narrow enough to maingain alignment.
Go with the stiffer 7/16" studs since you'll have to unscrew the stock studs to install the guides anyway. The stock studs are 7/16" base and 3/8" top so it's a direct exchange of studs (no machining).
Put a little light assembly lube on the tips of the new pushrods and on the tops of the valve stems (don't block the oil holes).
Go with the stiffer 7/16" studs since you'll have to unscrew the stock studs to install the guides anyway. The stock studs are 7/16" base and 3/8" top so it's a direct exchange of studs (no machining).
Put a little light assembly lube on the tips of the new pushrods and on the tops of the valve stems (don't block the oil holes).
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton Canada
Re: Do I really need guideplates & hardened pushrods? (Ivan383)
I spoke to compcams today about the pro-magnums1.6's. The one's they told me I would need are the self-aligning 1.6rr pro-magnum with the 3/8 stud(part#1318-16) along with the comp springs (part #986-16). They told me since their pro-mags are self aligning I would not need hardened guideplates and pushrods. What do you guys think?
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Do I really need guideplates & hardened pushrods? (Ivan383)
Indeed I believe CC came out not too long ago with self-alinging ProMagnums for 3/8" studs, but not for 7/16". Since you mentioned 7/16" studs (maybe) that would have dictated guide plates & pushrods.
So if you stay with your stock studs you can use the self-aligning style ProMagnums; then DO NOT use guide plates (don't combine self-aligning rockers with functional guide plates). Just leave in your OEM non-hardened guide platess & pushrods. This is the cheaper way to go; you won't need the extra stability of 7/16" studs unless you have a big cam and want to rev high.
So if you stay with your stock studs you can use the self-aligning style ProMagnums; then DO NOT use guide plates (don't combine self-aligning rockers with functional guide plates). Just leave in your OEM non-hardened guide platess & pushrods. This is the cheaper way to go; you won't need the extra stability of 7/16" studs unless you have a big cam and want to rev high.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 873
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Texas tx
Re: Do I really need guideplates & hardened pushrods? (65Z01)
If you go the 7/16 stud route, Dont forget to get the 7/16 studs. Most people only get the Comp cam magnum rocker and 7/16 nuts(comes with rockers) The guide plates and hardened pushrods.
Well your normal stud -3/8 which has too much play and will not fit the 7/16 nut.
I just had mine installed today an they are great!
PS. I forgot the darn 7/16 studs... the shop charged $50 bucks for a set
[Modified by 92LT1Roadster, 11:19 PM 4/18/2002]
Well your normal stud -3/8 which has too much play and will not fit the 7/16 nut.
I just had mine installed today an they are great!
PS. I forgot the darn 7/16 studs... the shop charged $50 bucks for a set
[Modified by 92LT1Roadster, 11:19 PM 4/18/2002]
