push rod guide plates compared to push rods?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 720
Likes: 1
From: NC
push rod guide plates compared to push rods?
I pulled out 3/8" push rods from my rebuilt 68 427/390 went to auto zone got all new push rods they looked my car up and gave me the 3/8" size set.
i've been told a 68 427/390 came with 5/16" push rods not 3/8" and I know the guide plates HAVE to match what size push rods you put in it.
SO i measure my guide plates they look to be 1/8" thick, how do you relate the guide plate size to the push rods to make sure they will work, bc i was told if you use 3/8" push rods you need the right size guide plates to match.
thanks!
i've been told a 68 427/390 came with 5/16" push rods not 3/8" and I know the guide plates HAVE to match what size push rods you put in it.
SO i measure my guide plates they look to be 1/8" thick, how do you relate the guide plate size to the push rods to make sure they will work, bc i was told if you use 3/8" push rods you need the right size guide plates to match.
thanks!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 720
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From: NC
anyway to tell if the ones i bought already are hardened?
what I don't understand is the dang engine has guide plates from the factory so why the hell does auto zone etc.. sell regular non hardened push rods for the damn thing?
these do NOT has a colored area that is hardened where the guide plates will touch them like the ones I pulled out do.
but like I said why is in the computer these will work with my engine????? what bs....
what I don't understand is the dang engine has guide plates from the factory so why the hell does auto zone etc.. sell regular non hardened push rods for the damn thing?
these do NOT has a colored area that is hardened where the guide plates will touch them like the ones I pulled out do.
but like I said why is in the computer these will work with my engine????? what bs....
Last edited by RPOL36; Feb 9, 2008 at 01:03 PM.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 671
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From: McCook Nebraska
You can't always trust the parts man unless you know him and he knows his ****. I would call back with the part # and ask them if they are hardened. I had a set of hardened Pioneers in my built small block Camaro and bent 2. I put standard ones back in cause I had to order the hardened ones and this way I could move my car. When the new ones came in I replaced the 2 stock ones and where they rubbed on the guide plate they were almost into. Not saying that will happen to you but that was my experience.
greg
greg
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 720
Likes: 1
From: NC
You can't always trust the parts man unless you know him and he knows his ****. I would call back with the part # and ask them if they are hardened. I had a set of hardened Pioneers in my built small block Camaro and bent 2. I put standard ones back in cause I had to order the hardened ones and this way I could move my car. When the new ones came in I replaced the 2 stock ones and where they rubbed on the guide plate they were almost into. Not saying that will happen to you but that was my experience.
greg
greg
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
First DONT! GO TO AUTOZONE for engine parts! Look up your local automotive machine shop, the guy there will know the answers and sell you the same parts Auto Zone is selling for far cheaper prices than AZ is selling them for (same for engine gaskets.) The BB Chevies of the C3 era had 3/8 pushrods/guide plates, I don't know about later versions. L-88 and ZL-1 motors had 7/16 pushrods/guide plates so possibly you have some of these parts mixed in. Hope this helps you out. You also need HARDENED pusrods if your using guide plates so go to the local engine shop and get the right parts.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 671
Likes: 0
From: McCook Nebraska
Not all heads have guide plates in them.
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Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: McCook Nebraska
When I built the motor for my Camaro, I built up a set of Double hump heads for it. Had the valves cut to 2.02/1.60, springs for a .523 inch lift cam, roller rockers, drilled push rod holes out bigger, screw in studs and installed guide plates with hardened push rods. I have lots of engine parts I have saved in my shop and had some extra push rods. I like to have extra parts, just in case.
greg
greg
