Figuring out pushrod length ?
TIA
Marc
Most aftermarket cams have about a .030" smaller base circle. So if you had just changed the cam shaft (no heads), you would have needed a pushrod that was 7.430" long. If the piston rod were too long, the valve would NEVER close.
Since you have the 0.030" mill on the heads, everything cancles out.
Chris
Marc
Let me know how that tool works (how hard it is to deal with). I considered doing that but just was not "ready" to do that yet.
good luck,
Chris
If you take a bone stock LS1...Remove a valve cover (drivers side is easy)...Turn the engine until one of the valves is fully closed (#1 would be easiest)...Then loosen the rocker until is very loose...Then tighten it until your at zero preload (bolt will all of a sudden get hard to turn)...Mark the boilt with a scratch mark...Turn the bolt down till its at 22 FtLb torque.
You will find it turns between 1 3/4 to 2 turns on that stock LS1 engine.
It should do the same thing after you finish your head/cam install (or very close to it). If not, you are a candidate for different pushrods.
Now, how much preload is 1 3/4 to 2 turns? I don't have a clue, but thats what the stock GM preload is on the LS1. At least thats what it was on my 98 TA [prior] to changing out parts.

Ron,
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Nothing greater than 2 turns. I say that because slightly less preload will keep the lifters from pumping up at high rpm quite so fast.
Remember, hyd. lifters can operate at a fairly great variation of preload (up to a point)...
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With your combo, either the the 7.40" or 7.35" will work, but the 7.50" will get you closer to the stock spec preload.


