Hello all! My local engine builder(a ex drag racer from years ago)has never heard of "self aligning" or "non self aligning" rocker arms. I am thinking of installing roller tipped rockers (Comp Cam Magnum)on my stock 77 zed heads.So what is the difference between them.And which do I need? Thanks!! L.P.:

If you've got pushrod guideplates, use the "non self aligning"

The others are used mostly on the late model stuff like Vortec. The tips are channeled so the rocker arms can't become misaligned.

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[This message has been edited by ZZ Top (edited May 02, 2005).]

Not to throw off on anybody, but I would find me a new engine builder if I was you!!!!

He might have been great in the days of dual points, double hump heads and 30-30 cams, but times have changed, parts have changed, tech has changed.. The basics are still the same, but the new parts can net you so much better performance and if he ain't up to date on the most known budget heads then forget him..

Now to answer your question...
The self aligning rockers are guided rockers, the push rod comes up through a BIG slot and the rocker it self has a groove in it to guide the rocker stright on the valve stem. These are on the new vortec heads.

Non self aligning rockers are guided by 1 of the 2, big slots in the heads and guide plates placed under the rocker arm studs. The push rod comes up through the head, then the guide plate. Or small holes (slots) in head

Stock for a 77 will be Non self aligning rockers, with the guided holes in the heads.

You never want to double guide your pushrods. That's like self aligning rockers and guide plates, or non self aligning rockers, stock holes in heads and guide plates, etc

I was told that since I'm only going to spin the stock bottom end up to 6000 RPM's then I would not need guide plates.So if i dont use these I use "self aligning" correct? L.P. http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/confused.gif

OPPS sorry night rider ....didn't see your post! Thanks! L.P.

You should have some method of guiding the rockers. Since you are using older heads you will need guideplates or heads that still have slots for the pushrod holes.