Valvetrain questions

[Jeff95TA]

'95 Trans Am:

At what horsepower level are non-self aligning rockers (w/ guideplates, hardened pushrods, & Comp R lifters) suggested? I'm anticipating 430-450 at the engine.

I've seen recommendations for using the GM guideplates with the Comp Pro Magnum rockers. Your thoughts?

Do the SA rockers (Pro Mags) require valve cover modification or just the NSA?

And my dumb question: do the 7/16" rocker studs have the same threads as the stock 3/8" (i.e., do they thread in without retapping the holes?)

I'm finally getting close to actually buying everything and am sorting out the details. Thanks everyone!

[fastTa]

Lifters, rocker arms, and push rods aren't so much stressed by more HP as they are by increased valve train speed. Say if you were to install a bigger cam and rev the engine higher at shifts.

The Comp R's are one of the best hydraulic lifters around hands down. With the addition of hardened push rods and guidplates your valve train should be adequate for just about any HP level considering proper installation and piston to valve clearance.

Pro Magnum self-aligning roller rockers require a little more room than non-self aligning.

The GM guideplates should be fine.

And yes the lower part of the rocker stud (head side) shares the same thread pattern among the 3/8 and 7/16 studs.

[Jeff95TA]

Thanks for the info.

I'm looking around a 6200 redline. I hate to skimp on the valvetrain, but the cost of heads, cam, headers, torque converter, etc. adds up quickly.