I bought some trickflow push rods 7.4", 5/16 and they say to use guide plates. Is this needed??

http://m.summitracing.com/parts/tfs-21407400

 

I had the same rods and never used guides. They work just fine.

 

You couldn't put guide plates on if you wanted to

 

Ok thanks guys, I wasn't sure if I could or couldn't use them. I'm kinda newer to LS motors and I'm getting ready to do a cam swap so I want Have all my ducks in a row before I tear into it.

 

Some pushrods are hardened and some are not. If you are running guide plates, then you need hardened pushrods. All that Summit is stating is that these can be used with guide plates, not that they have to be used with guide plates.

PS: Trend makes both Trick Flow and Comp pushrods. Have you checked their prices?

 

They'll be fine. I actually have melonite hardened pushrods from Manton in my ride. They are designed for guideplates, but they have a higher tensile strength due to the hardening process. That's a good thing!