stock push rods or aftermarket
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 157
Likes: 144
From: Sin City
stock push rods or aftermarket
when I talked to BTR and decided on their Truck Norris cam they assured me I would be fine with stock push rods .Heres the Truck Norris specs : 212/22X, .553/.553, 107 LSA
since Im still on stock lifters and according to BTR stock length push rods will work. at this point whats another $100 lol. my stock push rods are fine, i rolled across some tempered glass and both ends looked good. If I go with some aftermarket push rods, i know it would be good practice to measure the length. I should be fine with stock length. what would yall do?
since Im still on stock lifters and according to BTR stock length push rods will work. at this point whats another $100 lol. my stock push rods are fine, i rolled across some tempered glass and both ends looked good. If I go with some aftermarket push rods, i know it would be good practice to measure the length. I should be fine with stock length. what would yall do?
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,915
Likes: 358
From: Dayton, OH
The factory rods are designed as the cheapest rods minimally suitable for the lift and springs of the factory cam.
The Truck Norris cam has higher lift (Or why bother?) and you are likely changing the springs (You are, aren't you?). The factory pushrods may work, if you define not break as work, but they will flex more, thus altering the actual valve motion the cam is designed for.
The factory pushrods were not all that correct for length to begin with.
The Truck Norris cam has higher lift (Or why bother?) and you are likely changing the springs (You are, aren't you?). The factory pushrods may work, if you define not break as work, but they will flex more, thus altering the actual valve motion the cam is designed for.
The factory pushrods were not all that correct for length to begin with.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 157
Likes: 144
From: Sin City
The factory rods are designed as the cheapest rods minimally suitable for the lift and springs of the factory cam.
The Truck Norris cam has higher lift (Or why bother?) and you are likely changing the springs (You are, aren't you?). The factory pushrods may work, if you define not break as work, but they will flex more, thus altering the actual valve motion the cam is designed for.
The factory pushrods were not all that correct for length to begin with.
The Truck Norris cam has higher lift (Or why bother?) and you are likely changing the springs (You are, aren't you?). The factory pushrods may work, if you define not break as work, but they will flex more, thus altering the actual valve motion the cam is designed for.
The factory pushrods were not all that correct for length to begin with.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 6,503
Likes: 4,351
From: Florida
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner- Unmodified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Ok, good choices. Plenty of YouTube videos to walk you through the process.
Good luck and enjoy!
Good luck and enjoy!
Last edited by vette4fl; May 17, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 157
Likes: 144
From: Sin City
watchin a lot of videos, i think i have the process down. insert old push rod on the intake side of cyclinder one. rotate motor until push rod is at the base of the lobe (low side). insert push rod length checker, hand tight rocker arm and check for zero lash. from the info ive seen .050 lifter preload should be fine for stock lifters?
Last edited by eyekyu; May 18, 2026 at 12:11 AM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,458
Likes: 1,165
From: Dyer, IN
Can you direct me to that testing? Sounds like an interesting study.
Last edited by lucky131969; May 19, 2026 at 07:10 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 78
Likes: 9
From: Texas
Stock length and stock pushrods are not necessarily equal. Hardened pushrods with stock length and diameter would be beneficial. Hardened pushrods are to stabilize valvetrain with upgraded cams and higher rpm. Although factory rod bolts might give out before pushrod flex cause damage.
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