I am still in the middle of my AA supercharger install and recently installed my cam / valve springs / trunnion kit. I need some help measuring the pushrod length though. 2004 Z06 with about 20k miles on the clock.

Tick Stage 2 blower cam:
227/243 .625"/.615" LSA 115+4

Straub bronze trunnion upgrade
Stock rocker arms
Tick .660" dual valve springs / Ti retainers / keepers / stem seals
Stock lifters
Stock heads
Stock bottom end

I bought a comp cam pushrod length checker and was using the intake valve on cylinder 2 to do the initial measurement. I watched several videos on how to "finger tighten and count the ratchet turns by hand" but this seemed subjective and I kept getting different turn counts.

I ended up using the method in this video
I calculated the number of turns on the comp cam tool - I found 11.5 turns to be about right with no lash. Each turn of the tool was 0.05", which added up to 0.575". Plus the length of the stock measurement tool 6.8" = 7.375"

I had already purchased some Tick 7.400" / .080 hardened rods which came with the cam kit (with the understanding I may need different ones). Here is my first issue. The Tick pushrods seem longer than 7.400"





I used a stock pushrod without zeroing:


And here is the measurement tool. I calculated the 11.5 turns to be 7.375" but when I measured, this is what I got:


My second issue is that with the Tick 7.400 pushrods installed, they almost feel too long, like they may be holding the valve open. Turning the motor by hand, it felt like it was getting really tight with that pushrod installed. I put the stock one back in and it felt better.

Thoughts? Anything I should do differently?

I don't know if it matters with regards to the stock lifters, but the car has been down for a few weeks and I have rolled the motor over by hand multiple times for the cam / valve spring install.

Thanks!

 

Since you already have some pushrods that are close here is a video showing what the end result should be.
Here is another on how to determine pushrod length for a hydraulic lifter.

 

Use EOIC (Exhaust Opening, Intake Closing) to find where the cam needs to be. So when Exhaust is opening (pushrod is coming up out of the hole), you will measure for your intake pushrod. When the Intake is closing (pushrod going back down the hole), you will measure for your exhaust pushrod. As said earlier, use the checker to find 0 lash on a hand tight rocker. I use teflon tape on the internal threads of the checker to keep it from turning too easily. Once you get close to 0 lash, then measure the checker and adjust it a thousandth of an inch at a time (0.001") until you reach 0 lash. Once you get there, add the lifter manufacturers desired preload. Call manton, trend, smith brothers, whoever.. tell them how you measured and the setup of the car and they will get you what you need within a couple thou.