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Clearance for 3/8 pushrods - LS3 heads

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Old Jan 9, 2012 | 07:18 PM
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Default Clearance for 3/8 pushrods - LS3 heads

I have searched, consensus seems to be that 3/8" pushrods fit with only minor work to clearance the holes. Does anyone have an image depicting where on the hole and approximately how much needs to be removed?
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Old Jan 11, 2012 | 04:02 PM
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the ones I have installed, required no clearancing at all.
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Old Jan 14, 2012 | 04:50 PM
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Would you happen to know the minimum clearance between the pushrod and the head in your build?
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Old Jan 14, 2012 | 08:26 PM
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even if they touch that is not a issue. When they bind it is going to cause issues.

Manton has some really nice 11/32 .120 wall rods that have no issues

Tim
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Old Jan 17, 2012 | 03:48 PM
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I cannot / did not measure the builds I have done. I use a flashlight and mock everything up, roll the engine thru a few cycles. Use a solid lifter to get full valve lift, or use a longer pushrod and find bottom of travel for a hydraulic lifter (if heads are already on engine).

Last one I checked there was at my estimation .050 all the way around a 3/8 .080 wall Trend pushrod, with heads that were unmodified in the pushrod area.
If it tickles the side of the aluminum a bit while running, like stated above...not a deal killer (but not a good idea if you can clearance it first).
If it binds up and you can't turn it over easily...obviously you need to drill the holes out a bit
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 08:32 PM
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3/8 arent needed in a ls. too heavy
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Old Jan 18, 2012 | 08:39 PM
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Originally Posted by A_VAS
I cannot / did not measure the builds I have done. I use a flashlight and mock everything up, roll the engine thru a few cycles. Use a solid lifter to get full valve lift, or use a longer pushrod and find bottom of travel for a hydraulic lifter (if heads are already on engine).

Last one I checked there was at my estimation .050 all the way around a 3/8 .080 wall Trend pushrod, with heads that were unmodified in the pushrod area.
If it tickles the side of the aluminum a bit while running, like stated above...not a deal killer (but not a good idea if you can clearance it first).
If it binds up and you can't turn it over easily...obviously you need to drill the holes out a bit
Thanks! Heads are currently off, and clearance will be checked before final assembly.
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Old Jan 24, 2012 | 12:01 PM
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Originally Posted by 7second
3/8 arent needed in a ls. too heavy
yeah that pushrod weight really makes the valves float huh? tell us more
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Old Jan 24, 2012 | 12:21 PM
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Originally Posted by 7second
3/8 arent needed in a ls. too heavy
You take that extra weight every time you get the chance and it will clear! The very minimal extra weight from thicker pushrods is better to have than extra deflection. Also, weight on that side of the rocker is far less vital than on the valve side.
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Old Jan 25, 2012 | 12:12 AM
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After having my 430 shortblock built by ERL, I asked about pushrod sizing. They dont use 5/16" pushrods on any LS motor. They prefer 3/8".
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