Rocker arm stud length and guide plate thoughts (BBC)

[Fred_M1010]

Do they look like this and have "Dart" stamped into them...?

The Dart units are actually made for Dart heads which have even more splayed angle on the valves, so they do confom to a stock head a little when you tighten them down, but that's normal.

They look just like those, except for the stampings,
so they're probably a copy of them.
That would explain about the crappy fit on my stock heads.

 

[Fred_M1010]

Here's a pic of how far apart they are btw:

But I don't think I'll have any problems bending them for a better fit.

 

[4X4HIGH]

I would not use those guide plates. There is no reason to run anything fancy on a BBC.

 

[folkenheath]

Here's a pic of how far apart they are btw:

But I don't think I'll have any problems bending them for a better fit.

I wouldn't even bother bending them manually, just put the little center bolts back in (but still loose), get the rocker tips centered on the valve individually, torque the rocker studs as you align them one at a time, and then tighten the center guideplate bolt. They will snug right up and never move, and your rocker tips will be perfectly centered for optimal valve train life and guide wear.

These are a minor upgrade that I think are worth it for roller rocker tip alignment, unless someone is at the level where they are using Jesel or T&D shaft rockers and spinning 8500 RPM, then they are a little beyond adjustable guideplates...

Also, on certain heads, the rocker stud hole goes through into the intake port, so if that is the case on your heads be sure to put some high temp teflon thread sealer on those particular rocker stud threads so you don't suck oil into the intake port.