another question for my 350 s10 build. I plan to get the gm perforamce vortec heads from summit. First off whats everyone think of them? just doing a mild build 350 to put in my 92 s10 pickup that has a 4.3 5 speed in it. But my main question was that it says self aligning rocker arms. I look threw summit and none specified self aligning so is that mean most rocker arms are self aligning?? thanks for the help

Vortec heads are some of the best heads for the $
check out: http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/techarticles/148_0208_vort/index.html
As for the rockers, most are not self-aligning...call summit or jegs and they can direct you to the proper rocker (not everything is in the catalogs)

PS Dont' expect that 5 speed to last long.

self-aligning have little guides on them, i run vortec heads and comp cams roller rockers with guide plates, not self-aligning type.

Vortec heads are some of the best heads for the $
check out: http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/techarticles/148_0208_vort/index.html
PS Dont' expect that 5 speed to last long.

Agreed. I took a 91 350 Z28 block bored it 30 over,used Vortec heads,.480 lift roller cam,preformer intake with TBI adapator,headers and put the stock tbi unit back on with a custom chip.The 91 4x4 truck put down 97 rwhp/135 rwtq over stock.It picked up a huge amount under the curve. I just wished the owner would have let me use 9.8 to 1 pistons instead of 9.3 to 1's.

You have to look closely at the part #'s in summit to see which ones are self aligning. Some of them will say for 88 up center bolt heads, and/or have a * by the part # and at the bottom of the listing they will call them out for center bolt heads (self aligning). I was pricing some rollor rockers last night.

I have been told by the v8s10.org people the 5 speed will do its the NV3500 just like out of a half ton chevy

Does anyone have a part number from summit or jegs of good fairly cheap self aligning rockers to be use on vortec heads???

so would roller tip rockers with guide plates work as self aligning??
Anyone else with vortec heads which "self aligning" rockers do you use?

First, I would look to see if the summit heads are GM castings. Your motor is only slightly above stock and I would run the stock GM head. That said, I run Proform roller rockers that are self aligning. I got the on E-Bay for under $200.00 with poly lock nuts. I was running Comp Cams magnum tipped, but even with guide plates they didn't completely center on the valve tip. Bottom line here is that the self aligning is just a better design.

Ok then where do i get self aligning rockers i cant find them anywhere

I used the GM stock rockers. Paid $60.00 from the local Chevrolet dealership. This was on a vortec headed small block with XE274 cam..etc

Hope this helps

John'

call jegs at 1 800 345 4545, what is the use of your motor going to be? street ? race? daily driver? this will tell you which rocker is best for the money. You may want to stop by a machine shop also.

Ok then where do i get self aligning rockers i cant find them anywhere
They're fawking everywhere dude, but here's a link to the guy I bought from:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SB-LT1-Roller-Rockers-Chevy-Camaro-Trans-Am-Rocker-Arms_W0QQitemZ7989419764QQcategoryZ33624QQrdZ1QQcm dZViewItem

Found these i think these are the stock GM
http://www.sdpc2000.com/catalog/523/products/648/SB-Chevy-15-Ratio-Stamped-Steel-GM-Performance-Parts-Rocker-Arms.htm

would i need guide plates for these

Found these i think these are the stock GM
http://www.sdpc2000.com/catalog/523/products/648/SB-Chevy-15-Ratio-Stamped-Steel-GM-Performance-Parts-Rocker-Arms.htm

would i need guide plates for these
No guide plates required, or machining for screw in studs.