Jerry, as far as I know there were 3 types of stock rockers used on these over the years; a stamped steel rocker (similar to the stock SBC), a fulcrum style and the cast rail type that as you say centers on the valve tip. These valves would normally use the rail type, which if it were my engine is what it would have. I don’t really trust the no name roller tip rockers like these appear to be as I have seen the results of loosing a roller and dropping a valve.

As far as the length of the valve tip and how close the rockers are to the retainers, I just walked over and looked at them that is mostly the angle of the picture. The valve stems all look to be the same length with adequate retainer clearance. It really looks like a good set of guide plates will fix this problem.

With what I’m seeing so far in this motor, I really am wondering what other surprises I’m going to find inside (provided the customers lets me take it apart like I feel it should be).