i have a 350 with 461 heads with screw in studs and a friend gave me a set of roller rockers but they are self aligning. can i use these rockers or do i need to run guideplates and standard roller rockers?

You can run them.

I recently worked on someone's engine that had guideplates and self align rockers. I questioned on here if he needed to change this and there were mixed answers. I checked the geometry for any binding and everything was good. I know the guy who built the engine and I believe he is pretty good. The engine is still running today and runs very well.

Just check everything if you run them. I believe they will be fine.

The function of both is to keep the roller tip centered on the top of the valve stem. You can use them without guide plates. You might have valve cover clearance issues though. I have the tall valve covers but some just double up the valve cover gaskets.

Do not run guideplates with self aligning rockers. It is either one or the other, but not both.

do not run guideplates with self aligning rockers. It is either one or the other, but not both.
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