Do I Need New Pushrods?

4353 Views 10 Replies 6 Participants Last post by FastLT1, Feb 8, 2013

FastLT1

Discussion Starter · Feb 8, 2013

So as some of you guys know, I'm dropping a new to me lt1 in my camaro. We should begin the swap next week

I'm doing a cam/bolt ons build right now with heads way down the road. I haven't really thought much about pushrods yet. I'm installing a LE 226/232 .578/.574 110LSA cam in it along with Lunati dual valve springs, Scorpion 1.6rr's, 7/16 studs and 5/16 guide plates. These are the springs I bought for more info on them Lunati LT Dual Valve Spring Kit w/ Steel Retainers, .660 [73925K2]

I have read that if the heads havent been worked on at all (mine haven't) that the stock pushrod length would be fine. So my question is, what pushrods would you guys recommend for me and why are stock pushrods not suppose to be used in builds like these? It would set back my budget a little bit but if any kind of damage could happen as a result of using stock pushrods then I have no problem whatsoever buying hardened aftermarkets, I'm just curious why stockers won't work? Thanks for reading.

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steveo

· #2 · Feb 8, 2013

stockers will probably work, bigger springs and bigger lift cams should have hardened pushrods i guess, they're under a lot more stress, and have more side-load (more prone to bending)

if you didnt alter anything major about your valvetrain geometry.. valve stem length, length to the cam (head or block machining or whatever), you might want to measure anyway, but i'll bet stock pushrod length will be close or right on the mark

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BALLSS

· #3 · Feb 8, 2013

stock PR flex under high RPM especially with heavier springs and 1:6 RR. getting something like .080 wall (thicker than stock) PR chromolly. You need hardened PR if going NSA on the rockers and using guide plates

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bufmatmuslepants

· #4 · Feb 8, 2013

Excellent cam and spring choice. What rockers are you using? If they are NSA you will NEED hardened pushrods and hardened guide plates, because the soft stock non hardened pushrods in 95-97 lt1s will wear little shavings into your engine. 92-94 lt1s came with hardened from the factory. Get a pushrods length checker and measure the needed length then surf the classifieds for used ones if needed, I got my pushrods and guide plates for $85 shipped. You could also take the gamble and find stock 92-94 pushrods if you wanted, but your quality spring and cam choice tell me you would rather do it right.

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donzilla69

· #5 · Feb 8, 2013

If you need guide plates I've got a full set of gm guide plates new in packages . 20. Plus shipping . But yes hardened pushrods are a must . Length ... I'd defiantly check length . Easier to do now the assemble then find a problem .

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FastLT1

Discussion Starter · #6 · Feb 8, 2013

Yes the rockers are Scorpion 1.6 NSA. I've actually ordered guide plates already. These are what I ordered. Power Products, Guide Plates, Chev SB 5/16", Flat, Set of 8-Competition Products

But the motor I'm dropping in is a 1993 LT1 so I'm assuming it already has hardened pushrods. Though I might just end up buying some Trickflow chromoly ones after we check how long they'll need to be

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bufmatmuslepants

· #7 · Feb 8, 2013

Some say the hardened pushrods have a small divot in the end from the hardness test, I didn't look at mine close enough but didn't notice if there was one. Someone back me up on this?

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CALL911

· #8 · Feb 8, 2013

You are running guide plates, so the rockers will be NSA, and thus you will want hardened pushrods.

If you know what size you need, I have a set of Trick Flow hardened pushrods I just pulled out of my car, I'll sell you for $60.

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FastLT1

Discussion Starter · #9 · Feb 8, 2013

CALL911 said:
You are running guide plates, so the rockers will be NSA, and thus you will want hardened pushrods.

If you know what size you need, I have a set of Trick Flow hardened pushrods I just pulled out of my car, I'll sell you for $60.

I assume they should be stock length since the heads havent been milled or decked. Are yours 7.2?

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CALL911

· #10 · Feb 8, 2013

Mine are 7.250

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FastLT1

Discussion Starter · #11 · Feb 8, 2013

CALL911 said:
Mine are 7.250

Ah okay. Hopefully we will start doing everything within the next couple days and i'll see what size I need and let you know. That would help out a lot lol

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