brad8266

iTrader: (23)

I measured the new cam lobes with my caliper. Heres what I got for what I need for pushrods. Figured another set of eyes on this would be good for verification. Thanks guys.

Stock cam base circle- 1.553
New cam base circle- 1.450
Stock pushrod length- 7.400

Length needed = ((stock base-new base)/2) + stock pushrod length =
((1.553-1.450)/2) + 7.4 = 7.452 for new rod length.

PREDATOR-Z

I would run 7.425

Your calculation is correct but stock p-rod length is not 7.400
since average stock preload is in the .100 neighbourhood and 7.450 would put you over that, the next best choice is 7.425's

brad8266

iTrader: (23)

Ok thats just what I saw when i searched for rod length, thanks for clearing that up. Whats is stock rod length then?

PREDATOR-Z

Depending on the years they range in the high 7.38x to 7.39x

brad8266

iTrader: (23)

Ok thanks man, yeah ill go down to the 7.425's so i dont put too much preload on the lifters. I just didnt want too short rods so because i want to eliminate as much valvetrain noise as possible.

brad8266

iTrader: (23)

Actually now that i thought of it, I am going with a .034 gasket and hope to be able to mill the 5.3L heads .030, so this will bring my rod length back up some, close to stock size.

So 7.39 stock + .0515(base difference) - .018(difference between stock and new head gasket) - .030 (head mill) = 7.3935

The 706 5.3L cast heads unmilled do keep the same height as LS1 heads right?

PREDATOR-Z

What is your piston deck height? .034 gasket seems tight unless pistons are 0 deck or below.
And with all the variances you're playing with better get a push rod length measurer.

brad8266

iTrader: (23)

Yeah i was gonna get the checker anyway most likely. I believe they are out the hole .006, it would be a tight quench area. The motor is being clayed before any milling to determine how much i can mill. I have -2cc diamond pistons with eagle 6.125 rods, stock crank.

PREDATOR-Z

If true then your quench is at .028, way too tight for a street application.
Look at .040 gaskets (Cometic) or Mr. gaskets are .042 (but 4.100 bore)

brad8266

iTrader: (23)

I was going to use the cometic .040 or the .034. I guess i could go with the .040 to be safe, I dont want a piston rocking at TDC and hitting the head.