groho

finishing up the top end of the motor, dropped on the AFR165's, all went together nicely. Started torquing down the rocker studs and two piece adjustable guideplates, working the first one, and couldn't quite get the rocker centered on the valve. It would twist just enough when the rocker stud was torqued (60lbs per AFR). Was thinking of placing a washer between the rocker stud and the guideplate to let the washer absorb the twisting, rather than the guideplate. The stainless washers are only .036 thick so it would raise the stud only a fraction. I'd prefer not to weld on brand new hardened guideplates, though that is a last option. Has anyone tried this? Or is welding my only option?

groho

just answered my own question.... can't use the washers because the rocker studs have a raised area on the bottom of the hex that centers the guildeplate. Guess I have to come up with an option to hold that guildeplate as I torque the stud. Suggests?

racer_dave

make some kind of jig type tool? thinking a flat bar with edges raised and a clamping force to hold it, maybe make it from a set of small vicegrips?

67mustang302

Just put a screwdriver down the pushrod hole to hold against the guide plate slot. Lightly snug each stud down so as you tighten one, the other stud helps hold the plate.

69mach1377

Mine were spot welded more than once on my 185s, which is an old skool solution. I would have prefered not, but my builder insisted. I just think he likes to weld...

groho

Got it. The aluminum heads are easy to scratch so I really didn't want to pry against the head. After the first one or two guideplates I got down a very workable system and had it done in about an hour. Bolt down the first guideplate, doesn't matter where it sits in reference to the push rod because you're using it as leverage to adjust the neighboring guideplate. Using a mini-pry bar or screw driver, set the second guideplate and torque it down, re-check the rock alignment. Once satisified, loosen the first guideplate and use the neighboring guideplate you just torqued as leverage to set the second partner guideplate. Torque the second guideplate and recheck the rocker. Rinse and repeat.

groho

one thing I did notice, once all the guideplates were set, some of the pushrods are very close to the pushrod wall. When you look at the runners compared to the pushrod hole, it looks like AFR cut the two as close as they could without penetrating the runner. It clears, with no interference, but it sure is close.

67mustang302

Mine are the same way with pedestal rockers. As long as they don't contact and have enough clearance for whatever minor flex the pushrods might have, you'll be fine.

69mach1377

They are close on my AFR185s also.