push rod lenght

Discussion in 'Technical' started by BIG T, Aug 20, 2014.

  1. BIG T

    BIG T Member

    Joined:
    Nov 16, 2008
    Messages:
    80
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    23
    Location:
    Ventura Ca.
    Vehicle:
    1972 Maverick
    Hello, would like to run a 91 5.0 short block with my 1971 heads. What length push rods do I need

    Thanks
    Tony
     
  2. Bryant

    Bryant forgot more than learned

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2007
    Messages:
    6,538
    Likes Received:
    153
    Trophy Points:
    203
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    San Diego
    Vehicle:
    71 Maverick
    to many factors involved to be able to just know what length push rod is needed.
    is it a flat tappet cam or roller cam?
    has the block been surfaced?
    what cylinder heads?
    have the cylinder heads been surfaced?
    has the cylinder heads had a valve job?
    has the valves been replaced?
    what rocker arms are you using?
     
  3. oldsnut

    oldsnut Member

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2008
    Messages:
    55
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    33
    Vehicle:
    1972 maverick
    I would suggest a push rod length checker to maker sure you get it right.
     
  4. garrettmuir1227

    garrettmuir1227 (Almost) Certified to Work on Your Porsche

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2013
    Messages:
    367
    Likes Received:
    12
    Trophy Points:
    45
    Location:
    Temecula,CA
    Vehicle:
    1974 Mercury Comet (small bumper Mav converted) 2009 Mustang Bullitt #5834
    agree. save yourself and get a pushrod length checker. well worth the cash. take it from someone who did it the hard way.... long story short i have 4 sets of unused pushrods at home...
     
  5. rotorr22

    rotorr22 Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2008
    Messages:
    1,302
    Likes Received:
    259
    Trophy Points:
    211
    Location:
    Columbiana, Ohio
    Vehicle:
    2018 F150 XLT/5.0, 2014 Focus 5 spd manual,1974 Maverick Grabber, 1986 Thunderbird Elan 5.0/AOD
    Its really not that difficult to use an adjustable pushrod to establish the correct length. If you are running a hydraulic roller, you will have to modify a lifter so the plunger does not depress when you rotate the engine through a valve cycle. I bought and modified spare lifter to accomplish this and can use it as a tool if I modify the engine in the future.
     
  6. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2012
    Messages:
    7,751
    Likes Received:
    2,450
    Trophy Points:
    531
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Chesapeake VA
    Vehicle:
    1972 Comet GT clone 306 . 1969 Fairlane Cobra 428CJ 1988 T-Bird awaiting 331 ..
    Pushrods used with stock roller lifters are 6.27" and with flat tappets are 6.8", though 6.9" generally gives better geometry with roller rockers... As suggested with the mix of parts, length should be measured...
     

Share This Page