Could someone help me out with pushrods?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 118
Likes: 2
Could someone help me out with pushrods?
Hello, I would like to get some help/advice on pushrods. They're the only thing I'm missing for a complete heads cam kit for my SBE LS1.
I currently have these parts:
• PRC 227 heads, CNC ported as well as milled 0.035 for higher compression.
• Cam motion custom grind 228/234 LSA 111+2. Intake valve lift is .611 and the exhaust lift is .596.
• Johnson 2110R lifters and LS2 lifter trays
• Cosmetic gasket headgaskets .040 thickness.
What size pushrods should I get for my build?
I currently have these parts:
• PRC 227 heads, CNC ported as well as milled 0.035 for higher compression.
• Cam motion custom grind 228/234 LSA 111+2. Intake valve lift is .611 and the exhaust lift is .596.
• Johnson 2110R lifters and LS2 lifter trays
• Cosmetic gasket headgaskets .040 thickness.
What size pushrods should I get for my build?
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 184
Likes: 43
From: Raleigh
You'll need to install the lifters and heads. Then you'll have to measure for the correct push rod length. Nobody is going to be able to tell you what length push rod to get. There's a tool available for measuring the length. Search "Adjustable Pushrod Length Checker" on Summit. But there are other methods for measuring as well. If your old push rods are close to the right length, you could use a dial caliper with the rocker arm installed. Check Youtube, there are plenty of videos out there with different measuring techniques.
You'll also need to know the preload required for your lifters. The lifter manufacturer should specify this for their lifters. If not, you'll probably want around 0.050" to 0.100" of preload. I'm sure there are a lot of opinions of this. So when you measure for push rod length, the trick is ensuring you have the lifter preloaded properly.
If you want the absolute easiest way to measure with no special tools, this is probably the easiest to do:
If it was me, I would measure using multiple approaches.
You'll also need to know the preload required for your lifters. The lifter manufacturer should specify this for their lifters. If not, you'll probably want around 0.050" to 0.100" of preload. I'm sure there are a lot of opinions of this. So when you measure for push rod length, the trick is ensuring you have the lifter preloaded properly.
If you want the absolute easiest way to measure with no special tools, this is probably the easiest to do:
Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 622
Likes: 169
From: Montgomery Texas
In addition to push rod length, push rods are also available in various different diameters. Typically you want the smallest, lightest unit available, consistent with it being strong enough to deal with the loading from your valve springs. You should consult with your valve spring supplier for a recommendation and then measure your engine to determine the correct length for your specific application.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 894
Likes: 986
From: NW Burbs of Chi-Town
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
To many thoughts to type out on this subject. I spent an entire afternoon looking at pushrod options last weekend (after I assembled my engine). Endless discussions on the subject on several forums. When the earth is warm I'm gonna change mine from the BTR 5/16 diameter - .080" wall thickness ones in there now to a bigger/thicker pushrod. Nothing wrong with the BTR's in there now but from what I have been reading bigger diameter and thicker walls are better. YMMV...
https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...-pushrods.html
Need to check the length regardless of what ever pushrod you go with, as has been said.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...-pushrods.html
Need to check the length regardless of what ever pushrod you go with, as has been said.
