Guideplate information

[MileHiSS]

I need a lesson on guideplates. I used the search function, but didn't quite find the information I needed. Would guideplates normally be used on this combo? 409 with 333heads with larger SS valves, roller rockers (brand and type not yet chosen), solid lifter cam. If so, are there aftermarket guideplates made, or what can be used? Thanks in advance and excuse my ignorance.
dave in denver

[oldskydog]

Dave,
I'm no expert either and I know there are many guys here that I consider to be experts so I'm sure they will join in with the real skinny.
I recently went through the same problem and talked to several people about it and here is what I was told and makes sense to me: If your rocker studs have grooves in the sides then your pushrod guide holes are wallowed out and you should either consider opening them up and using guide plates or going up to 3/8ths pushrods which requires machining the guide holes. Bottom line is if your guide holes are in good shape then guide plates shouldn't be necessary unless you're racing. I believe Phil Reed has them as well as ShowCars.
JMHO
:dunno

[Tom Kochtanek]

I've never priced them, so am not sure what their value is, but here's an example:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=006&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=160052216412&rd=1&rd=1

Hope you are able to make a good decision!

Best,
TomK

[Dick MacKenzie]

Dave,
I dont' know what the going rate for guide plates is either but I sold a set of lamar's about a year ago on ebay. They went for $81. Lamar probably still has them new.

[IgnitionMan]

One thing you may need to do with the guide plates is, they may need to be cut in half at their center bars. This will allow for the plate to be properly positioned to get the rocker pad/roller to sit on the valve stem correctly and straight.

I routinely have to do this on small and big block engines when the plates splay the rockers off center. After aligning each rocker/pad/roller, I weld them back together.

This isn't a set guide plate/stud/valve issue, but of production and aftermarket machining processes and/or parts manufacture. Some need the guide plates altered and adjusted, some don't.