ta_silver_bullet

iTrader: (9)

i just purchased a comp cam xe-r 224/224 .581/.581 114LSA. and rev dual springs. my car is an a4 2000 trans am should i do the push rods or not? and what else should i change/get when i do the cam i have 90k mile son my car thanks chris

Z28Venom

iTrader: (13)

since you have an automatic and don't have to worry about accidentally over-reving and breaking valves and things. I would definitely get hardened rods.

I got the trick flow 7.4" hardened rods from summit for $84.

HAMRHEAD

iTrader: (8)

I didn't get the hardened rods when I did my swap cause if the pushrods bend they can be replaced easily and cheaply. If something goes wrong and they don't bend something else in there will and could cause much worse damage than a bent pushrod.

jrp

iTrader: (16)

as stated by Fulton 1

The pushrod was never designed to be a fusible link in the valvetrain. Several years ago we even had a member (might have been in the old LS1.com days) that was an engineer from Jesel (don't recall his ID) and he was adamantly opposed to the notion that the LS1 pushrods were designed to break in the event of a mechanical over-rev. The job of the pushrod is to accurately transmit the motion of the cam lobe (via the rocker arm) to the valve. If it’s flexing under load, then its simply not doing its job.

Look at it this way; you CAN mechanically over-rev any engine - pushrod, OHC, rotary, or otherwise - and cause damage. There is nothing unique or special about the LS1 pushrods making them fusible.

This is like saying that you broke your ring gear on a missed shift so therefore everybody should continue using the weak 10-bolt rear ends. Just a silly, backwards argument IMO - especially when you're considered an aggressive cam with heavier valve springs


i agree wholeheartedly with that assesment. im running TR hardened PR's w/o issue. **** far as what else you need i'd get a new pump and chain seeing your car has 90k miles on it.

ta_silver_bullet

iTrader: (9)

what size push rods should i go with length? and also on teh new timmimg chain keep it a single or goto a double roller thanks again for all your help

Another_User

I think those explanations are weak. The pushrods have proven themselves to be a weak link in the LS-motors. I would much rather take the chance of bending a pushrod than bending a valve.