wanted to know just how far off center can the mark on the valve stem can be? i'm running stock 7.4 oem rods, just to start the motor, cause the length looked to be good. after pulling a few intake and exhaust rockers, the intake ones look perfect with the 7.4" rod, while the exhaust, the mark starts just outboard of center.

 

If you are talking about the wipe pattern and are using stock rockers, pushrod length will not effect the wipe pattern. You must adjust the height of the rocker pivot point.