Self aligning or not is not relevant. You can use either.

If you have non self aligning you will need guideplates. The stock plates on there are not really guide plates, you may need to get decent ones.

 

you either run pushrod guide plates or self aligning rockers, but NOT BOTH, youll need to get the valve train geometry correctly adjusted, or youll have problems.
the reason you don,t run both is that your almost sure to have alignment or clearance issues if both are used.

 

So at the end of the day, is there any use for the stock guide plates?

If there isnt, then I should be buying non-aligning rockers and
aftermarket pushrods and guideplates?

I do have non-aligning rockers already. But the problem is, they wont fit under the center bolt valve covers. I bought them for use on an older small block. If i wanted to use them rather than buying new rockers, could i get taller covers or spacers for the stock covers?

Thankyou for your help again :thumbsup:

 

So at the end of the day, is there any use for the stock guide plates?[/qoute]
no

If there isnt, then I should be buying non-aligning rockers and
aftermarket pushrods and guideplates?

yes or self aligning rockers

I do have non-aligning rockers already. But the problem is, they wont fit under the center bolt valve covers. I bought them for use on an older small block. If i wanted to use them rather than buying new rockers, could i get taller covers or spacers for the stock covers?

you can break the tabs off under the cover or buy taller covers. there is no standard for tall covers. proform makes covers that are 1/4 inch taller.

 

Your 87 came with non self aligning rockers and hardened guide plates. Good chance you can fit the rockers you have, under the factory covers. I have Crane energizer rockers, they have to be some of the biggest out there, but they fit.
I had to remove the drip tabs, narrow the bolt towers and squish the baffles with channel locks.

 

I just happened to need to search this myself.

So bumping some good info :thumbsup: