Pushrod Length?
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Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 549
Likes: 34
From: SE WI
Pushrod Length?
Looking to get regular, solid pushrods for my combo, but don't know what size. I have a 06 88" with a Fuel Moto 98" big bore kit, S&S 79cc Super Stock heads, Wood TW555-6R cams and the Cometic MLS head gasket that comes in the kit from Fuel Moto. Not a fan of the adjustable pushrods. Does anybody know (and have experience with) if the stock pushrods will be fine with this combo? Thanks.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 592
Likes: 481
From: SE PA
Different cylinders, heads, gasket thicknesses, cam base circles, milling/decking, etc. can and will alter the proper pushrod length. Even then you've got lifter brand A that wants more or less preload than lifter brand B. The likelihood of the stock pushrods being the ideal length is slim.
The easiest approach is going to be adjustables. I wasn't very comfortable with the thought of adjustables but then I gave them a go and have been installing them in my Harleys ever sense. I only run 1 piece pushrods in my cars so I'll share how I measure those.
You can buy adjustable pushrod checkers from Comp Cams, etc. I mark the valve stems with sharpie, set pushrod checker to a length I expect to be close, set rocker to zero lash and roll motor over a couple times. Remove rocker, examine wipe pattern on the valve stem. I'm looking for a thin line right in the middle of the valve stem. Takes some trial and error and sometimes a decent amount of time. Once I determine the proper length I buy the pushrods in that length and toss em in.
*I've never done the above process on an HD, just sharing for awareness/ideas. It has worked well for me with Chevy SBC and LS motors.
The easiest approach is going to be adjustables. I wasn't very comfortable with the thought of adjustables but then I gave them a go and have been installing them in my Harleys ever sense. I only run 1 piece pushrods in my cars so I'll share how I measure those.
You can buy adjustable pushrod checkers from Comp Cams, etc. I mark the valve stems with sharpie, set pushrod checker to a length I expect to be close, set rocker to zero lash and roll motor over a couple times. Remove rocker, examine wipe pattern on the valve stem. I'm looking for a thin line right in the middle of the valve stem. Takes some trial and error and sometimes a decent amount of time. Once I determine the proper length I buy the pushrods in that length and toss em in.
*I've never done the above process on an HD, just sharing for awareness/ideas. It has worked well for me with Chevy SBC and LS motors.
Last edited by MattLS6; May 9, 2023 at 03:02 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,024
Likes: 7,549
From: Poolville
Every build is going to be different and you're not going to be able to use a standard length pushrod unlike the Evos... You'll have to use a set of adjustable pushrods and then take all the rocker assemblies apart and then measure the push rods and then call Manton in California and they'll make you up a set. In all honesty it's not worth it, don't waste your time..
Last edited by 98hotrodfatboy; May 9, 2023 at 03:28 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 4,798
Likes: 5,889
From: Knoxville
Every build is going to be different and you're not going to be able to use a standard length pushrod unlike the Evos... You'll have to use a set of adjustable pushrods and then take all the rocker assemblies apart and then measure the push rods and then call Manton in California and they'll make you up a set. In all honesty it's not worth it, don't waste your time..
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,024
Likes: 7,549
From: Poolville
All's I'm saying is that when you remove yourself from a stock configuration it's not as easy to go to a stock length pushrod or solid pushrods... It's a little bit of work and they're not always accurate..
Last edited by 98hotrodfatboy; May 9, 2023 at 05:32 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,677
Likes: 434
Theres nothing wrong with using quality adjustable pushrods. In fact, its necessary if you alter your engine from stock configuration. You can get custom lengths but youll need to set and measure an adjustable pushrod to find out the lengths you need in your build.
OP, Im curious as to why youre reluctant to use adjustable pushrods?
OP, Im curious as to why youre reluctant to use adjustable pushrods?
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 121
Likes: 53
From: western ma
Different cylinders, heads, gasket thicknesses, cam base circles, milling/decking, etc. can and will alter the proper pushrod length. Even then you've got lifter brand A that wants more or less preload than lifter brand B. The likelihood of the stock pushrods being the ideal length is slim.
The easiest approach is going to be adjustables. I wasn't very comfortable with the thought of adjustables but then I gave them a go and have been installing them in my Harleys ever sense. I only run 1 piece pushrods in my cars so I'll share how I measure those.
You can buy adjustable pushrod checkers from Comp Cams, etc. I mark the valve stems with sharpie, set pushrod checker to a length I expect to be close, set rocker to zero lash and roll motor over a couple times. Remove rocker, examine wipe pattern on the valve stem. I'm looking for a thin line right in the middle of the valve stem. Takes some trial and error and sometimes a decent amount of time. Once I determine the proper length I buy the pushrods in that length and toss em in.
*I've never done the above process on an HD, just sharing for awareness/ideas. It has worked well for me with Chevy SBC and LS motors.
The easiest approach is going to be adjustables. I wasn't very comfortable with the thought of adjustables but then I gave them a go and have been installing them in my Harleys ever sense. I only run 1 piece pushrods in my cars so I'll share how I measure those.
You can buy adjustable pushrod checkers from Comp Cams, etc. I mark the valve stems with sharpie, set pushrod checker to a length I expect to be close, set rocker to zero lash and roll motor over a couple times. Remove rocker, examine wipe pattern on the valve stem. I'm looking for a thin line right in the middle of the valve stem. Takes some trial and error and sometimes a decent amount of time. Once I determine the proper length I buy the pushrods in that length and toss em in.
*I've never done the above process on an HD, just sharing for awareness/ideas. It has worked well for me with Chevy SBC and LS motors.
Last edited by fat00boy; May 13, 2023 at 09:04 AM.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 1,219
From: Dubuque, IA
Solid pushrods are a better pushrod. Adjustables have their advantages but there's no doubt solids are better. I have had this conversation with Smith Brothers and other manufacturers who make both and all will tell you solids are a better, lighter weight, no flex, pushrod.
To get them custom made to the correct length use an adjustable and install/adjust to the desired preload then measure the length. I suggest a preload of .140. Not the stock .100.
You could do all the math of cam base circle, head gasket thickness, amount milled from heads...blah blah. But the best, most accurate way is to use an adjustable then pull the heads again to install the solids.
Yes, changes to configuration may require new ones again and cam changes will require the heads be removed. If you wanna play ya gotta pay.
I seriously doubt anyone in the performance world would even think about using an adjustable pushrod. I know of one that would laugh at the idea. Does it matter for most here? Probably not. Unless you're **** about this kind of stuff.
I can tell you if I ever pull my heads again I'm having solids made. Call me ****.
To get them custom made to the correct length use an adjustable and install/adjust to the desired preload then measure the length. I suggest a preload of .140. Not the stock .100.
You could do all the math of cam base circle, head gasket thickness, amount milled from heads...blah blah. But the best, most accurate way is to use an adjustable then pull the heads again to install the solids.
Yes, changes to configuration may require new ones again and cam changes will require the heads be removed. If you wanna play ya gotta pay.
I seriously doubt anyone in the performance world would even think about using an adjustable pushrod. I know of one that would laugh at the idea. Does it matter for most here? Probably not. Unless you're **** about this kind of stuff.
I can tell you if I ever pull my heads again I'm having solids made. Call me ****.
Last edited by 60Gunner; May 13, 2023 at 09:12 AM.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 4,620
Likes: 3,939
From: Near Yosemite
Have you had any problems or failures with your adjustable pushrods?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 1,219
From: Dubuque, IA
If you're fan of them I'm not here to change your mind. The OP stated he's not a fan of adjustables and there are reasons for this. I don't think he's looking for to have his mind changed.
https://www.cyclesolutions.com/produ...iece-pushrods/
Last edited by 60Gunner; May 14, 2023 at 11:35 AM.