Thanks for the most generous offer Greg. From everything I've read, adding guide plates to a stock vortec head is a no-no... In order to go that route, machining on the head needs to be done as well as opening up the pushrod holes. I'd prefer to not crack the seal so speak right now, so my only choice right for the time being will be self aligning rockers.

Sounds like rockers for 3/8s studs are needed and my tall valve covers should clear most sets with minimal or no clearancing needed.

I'm certainly leaning that way as well Sieg... A question some have run into with them is the top of the valve spring contacting the rocker arm at full lift, but those seem to be coming from people with fairly large cams...seriously doubt that will be an issue with my little truck bumpstick.

Big cams are like big audio systems.........at our age we really don't need them as longevity is more important. :D

Crower makes some nice rockers too