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Old May 1, 2011 | 01:10 PM
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Default Push rods

If your heads uses valves .100 over stock and comp cam smaller base circle would your push rods need to be longer or shorter? Thanks
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Old May 1, 2011 | 02:01 PM
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It's best to measure for the correct length.
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Old May 1, 2011 | 04:57 PM
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Base circle is a direct measurement (change in base circle is change in pushrod). Valve stem length goes through the rocker ratio, .100" taller valve stem is 0.059" change in pushrod length.


The bigger issue is correcting the rocker geometry before you do anything. The taller valve stem will shift the wipe pattern towards the intake manifold and needs to be corrected prior to checking pushrod lenght. Then measure.
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Old May 1, 2011 | 05:27 PM
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Default push rod

Vetternuts, Any suggestions. Thanks
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Old May 1, 2011 | 05:57 PM
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Originally Posted by vettenuts
Base circle is a direct measurement (change in base circle is change in pushrod). Valve stem length goes through the rocker ratio, .100" taller valve stem is 0.059" change in pushrod length.


The bigger issue is correcting the rocker geometry before you do anything. The taller valve stem will shift the wipe pattern towards the intake manifold and needs to be corrected prior to checking pushrod lenght. Then measure.
How do you go about correcting the rocker geometry? I thought by changing the length of the pushrod moves the wipe pattern.
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Old May 1, 2011 | 08:07 PM
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Originally Posted by T-TOP TOM
How do you go about correcting the rocker geometry? I thought by changing the length of the pushrod moves the wipe pattern.
Not on these cars. The rockers are a fixed base and the only way to alter the wipe pattern is to shim the rockers up or cut the base depending on which way the pattern needs to be shifted.
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Old May 1, 2011 | 08:10 PM
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Originally Posted by hermancar
Vetternuts, Any suggestions. Thanks
Since the valve stems are taller I would think the rocker base needs to be raised. Here is a link to a thread where I shimmed a set of Yella Terra rockers, same principal applies to the stock rockers if that is what you are using. In my case, the valve stems were taller as well as I ended up with a fairly stout shim. If the heads are off the car, you can do this on the bench. Link
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Old May 2, 2011 | 07:09 PM
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Default push rods

To VetteNut, Where can i find shims for the stock rocker arm setup and given my problems would i need longer or short rods. My heads are on my car,where can i find info on checking my rods. Thanks
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Old May 2, 2011 | 08:10 PM
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Shims can be had from Ford. See this link: Link

I am guessing you will need to raise the rocker pivot height due to the longer valve stems. For each 0.010" of shim you will need approximately 0.016" of pushrod length but measure for a final value.

To check the wipe with the heads on the car, best to do with check springs and a dial indicator. Rotating the motor will compress the lifter plunger and you will get skewed readings.
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