Will regular stamped steel rockers clear center-bolt valve covers? I had my vortecs machined for screw-in studs and guide plate, so now I can't use self-aligning rockers -

With all that work you might as well get some narrow roller rockers for center bolt valve covers.

I'd rather not spend 200 bucks on something that just looks pretty -

The answer is yes. That's what the factory uses- self aligning rockers are the same dimensions as non-self-aligning.

I'd rather not spend 200 bucks on something that just looks pretty -

????????????? WTF!!!!!!!!!!
Lets see more accurate ratios,way less friction, way longer valve and guide life, better throttle response, etc etc.
You been reading those David (V) books haven't you! That clown writes books! He's not a pro engine builder or even a racer! Find me one example of any racer he has built an engine for! Show me any press on his great abilities other than his own books!
David V = JOKE!!!

If I spent the money for maching and studs/plates I'd sure go for a set of narrow body full roller rockers. I'm kind of wondering why the head work just to use regular rockers?

Thanks Damon!

The screw in studs are a necessity with the vortecs -

IMHO, the gains in HP or valve train geometry or whatever don't justify the price for the full roller rockers. Better throttle response?? That's one I haven't heard before -

The better throttle response would come from more accurate valve timing. Stock slipper rockers are horriblely inconsistant. If you set a dial indicator up on a retainer you'll find small inconsistancies from valve to valve even with quality cams and roller rockers. But what happens at rpm's is far worse. Add the inconsistancies of the stock slipper rockers and the results are ratios anywhere from 1.4:1 to 1.55:1. With inconsistancies like that you get inconsistant pulses in the intake and the exhaust,, in short it just screws up the entire motor!

BUT, is it worth the $375 to swap in a set of Crane Gold self aligning roller rockers??? It kind of depends on what your trying to do with the motor. If 1-3% horsepower is worth it to your application,,,,, then YES. But 3% of 250HP is nothing compares to hunting for 3% of 600 or 800 HP. In some applications $375 for another 20HP is cheap!!!!!!

Good info, Marv. I'm just building a truck motor that will likely never see past 6500 RPMS - I think my money could be better spent elsewhere -

wait, after you have screw in studs you cant use self aligning rockers?

wait, after you have screw in studs you cant use self aligning rockers?

Screw in studs - Maybe
Guide plates - No