HOW TO DIY: MEASURE LS PUSHROD LENGTH-CHEAP & EASY!

[@mavsformulaful]

So many people need this info, and have no clue they need it or why they need it or why length may change... Well described for laymen.

[@DFR_BG]

I am currently rebuilding my L92 and you are helping me a lot. I wish you all the best.

[@jacquescrusan9500]

I actually needed this. Been building up an LR4 as my COVID project, and I'm nearly at the stage for doing this. Thanks Richard.

[@brettcombs774]

Dang not bad for two weeks

[@AustinRBa]

@@brettcombs774 took a moment to get the joke, I'm definitely stealing that!

[@shadowopsairman1583]

Its claimed the 2007 Classic LR4 has gen 4 C-Rods

[@brettcombs774]

@@AustinRBa lol I figured someone would clue in.

[@constantproject1450]

I think it would be helpful to explain what the spec should be and how to figure out what size pushrod you actually need

[@ericrogelio7651]

Sorry to be offtopic but does anybody know a trick to log back into an instagram account..? I was dumb lost my account password. I would appreciate any tricks you can give me!

[@ericrogelio7651]

@Casen Damien Thanks for your reply. I got to the site through google and Im in the hacking process atm. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.

[@ericrogelio7651]

@Casen Damien it did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thank you so much you really help me out!

[@casendamien8809]

@Eric Rogelio Glad I could help =)

[@richieschmidt6225]

At the end of the video he states anywhere from 1/2 turn to 1 1/2 turns is in the safe zone! I just did a LBT cam and found that the factory pushrods were too short. I installed some 7.400” and some would only give me about 1/8 turn using this method, but I’m going to roll with it. It’s at least SOME preload and I figure that’s better than too much preload or having lash.

[@ricardogranados5243]

Thank you so much Mr. Holdener. I've spent all day read and watching videos trying to figure this out. Everyone just says tighten till snug and don't explain further. I work construction installing up to 300 pound glass by hand so my grip makes "snug" different. Your video made it so much easier and clear. Wish I would have seen it this morning instead of 9pm. Lol

[@aaronthemartialmechanic893]

I'm the same I power lift and do mechanics my snug is a snap

[@adwinstead]

Some of the comments are truly amazing. Thank you Richard. You're a life saver.

[@michael_house]

Learned something valuable today. Thank you Richard!

[@invertedpolarity6890]

I watched the entire video. I heard you talk about a safety range for preload. But I did not hear what the safety range actually is for the number of turns.

[@frankssawdustfactory3872]

At the very end he said 1/2 to 1 1/2 turns

[@SLAY3R8888]

​@@frankssawdustfactory3872 thanks, I stopped watching about 5 seconds too soon 😅

[@Rule34OptimusPrime]

You want to be at 1 1/4 turns ideally

[@kevinwest3689]

I came back to this video to Double check myself. I thought someone like myself just Learning might find this Interesting. After. Following Richard's Instruction & Recommendation my push rods were too long. So, I purchased a push rod length checker some checking springs, And purchased a couple of new lifters and converted them to solid. The results were I needed a 7.350 Then after doing this turn Method again. It put them at 1-1/2 turn. I don't know if this makes being closer but still under the upper limit, maybe a little better then the lower Acceptable limit. But it seems like it would be to my 3 brain cells.

[@richardholdener1727]

I'm not sure why you are double measuring? The turn method is spot on.

[@jaydubb71]

I've used this method countless times

[@JAG220.]

Good tips in every video You’re the LS 👑

[@josecuevas8602]

Just finshed see your video, hear is an improvment to your meathod. The only differance is that you figure out the thread pich. Then after you set the zero lash. you mark with a paint marker one of the hex sides of the bolt. and a paint mark on the cyl. head. now you start counting number of full turns. remove wrench and then count # of flats of the bolt past the one turn mark. Hears the math part since the LS is a modern eng. we know the thread pitch is metric. If the therad pich is 1.5mm then every turn equals a length of 1.5 mm, also each flat past the full turn equals 1/6 of a turn. using 1.5 mm per turn ÷ 1/6 = [ 1.5 ÷ 6 ] = 0.25 mm per flat. With your meathod and some math you can get a very close to acurate measurement. Your fan always...

[@richardholdener1727]

no need for math my way

[@shawng7902]

Not dealing with this style rocker yet, mine is still apart, this video made it ridiculously easy to check them. Add in a felt tip sharpie to double check contact and I should be golden.

[@richardholdener1727]

the pattern won't change on an LS like it does with an adj rocker (like BBC or SBC), adjustment is in the pushrod length

[@BEYTEK]

thanks man. im from uk and im leasrnign this as i want to venture into the V8 worls and i always wondered about pushrod legnths

[@yinzer_412_]

I use a length checker and go 1 ¼ turns and order that length from the checker pushrod. IMO stay away from the short travel lifters. They're noisy and you don't need them to go to 8k rpm.

[@tylertruitt377]

this is a great video. I don't see many on pushrod length

[@Tony-lu4jb]

I used the old comp cam video with you in it from years ago. Thanks for the videos.

[@joshdrobny93]

Thanks for all the great content Richard, these are very helpful door answering questions I get from customers at the machine shop.

[@jondoe5702]

I use the two finger method as well 💪🏻 works very well

[@Turbogto_guy]

Removing spark plugs, turning motor over to close each valve to loosen the bolts....ain’t nobody got time for that. In the hundreds of times I’ve removed rockers, I’ve never done that and never had threads pull out. I never even considered that. But now I know it, the next time I loosen rockers, it’s gonna pull the threads out. Thanks Richard. Ignorance WAS BLISS. lololololol

[@Codizz88]

More so common practice, on some engines you can't get away with it as easily.

[@junkyardboost8372]

I never do it either and I never will. I’ve pulled 100s of LS rockers with stock and aftermarket springs and never stripped one out. Crack em loose with a ratchet and run em out with a 1/4” impact. Put em in the same way.

[@junkyardboost8372]

Like you said it’ll probably happen to me now though lol

[@liltyler209]

Is it possible to max out the lifter plunger preload and get the effect of a "solid" lifter and run an engine reliably and safely without damaging anything?

[@richardholdener1727]

short travel does that but you can go to zero lash (that damages parts)

[@rushweaver2807]

I love these videos. Sometimes back to basics is great to watch

[@dr1ver267]

Great content as always Richard! I learned something

[@garagegrunt8154]

Love your content, always learn something despite doing this for decades! Keep up the good work

[@russellschroeder990]

My 5.3 had 7.385 pushrods stock with the active fuel management. I have since rebuilt the motor and installed a Howard’s rattler cam and am running ls7 lifters. Im running 7.400 inch pushrods now. I did the turn method and as far as I can remember I’m right inside the threshold. Seems to be some ticking in the valve cover after 30k miles. Any thoughts here y’all.

[@richardholdener1727]

HOW MANY TURNS

[@frederickhairston3823]

Good evening works with sbf stock rockers also.

[@richardholdener1727]

any bolt down, non adj

[@Teddybites]

all the other videos i seen on this topic sucked very well explained sir thank you

[@scottstroup4245]

What Rod length should I use on a 454 a 6.135 or 6.385 rod with correct piston for each Rod to keep my compression ratio at 10:00 to 1:00 it will be a street and strip driven big block roughly 500 plus horse roughly 550 on the torque would there be any advantage for me to run a longer rod? Maybe you guys could do a segment or show same engine same compression ratio different Rod length and see the difference it makes and how the engine performs

[@richardholdener1727]

YOU WON'T SEE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THOSE TWO

[@jamesrobb7961]

16 camaro ss stock cam stock rockers only thing changed out was the trunions (CHE) why my stock fitment change? Need help alot of chatter on idle should I go with a shorter or longer pushrods. pushrod stock length is 7.850 should I go to 7.825 lmk thank you

[@Hogiewan1]

Thanks Richard! Very informative and needed!

[@ryanaxberg9263]

cool, video richard. Never seen it done like that before

[@danilopineda7705]

Greetings from South America. Richard.. I would like see a Test with BTR Cams, like Stage 1, Stage 2, Truck Norris and "Torque Cam". In my Country, there are lots and lots of Trucks. It would be an incredible Test. Thanks again.

[@danilopineda7705]

It would be an interesting Test in 6.0 an 6.2 Ls Engines, with V2 BTR Cams.

[@richardholdener1727]

THE BTR TRUCK CAM TEST VIDS ARE ALREADY UP

[@kyleelliott229]

Hello Richard! Love your content great information. Currently putting together an early 6.0 with 317 heads. Going with the sloppy stage 3 kit from speedway and nobody can seem to give me even an estimate on what pushrods to order. I’m changing the cam without removing the heads so factory lifters an so on. It’s a very low mileage motor so hoping the lifters will survive. I figured if anyone could give me their recommendations and estimate on what length to go with it would be you. I intend to test them like you did here but I’d hate to have to order 3 different sets just to make sure I have the correct ones on hand lol

[@richardholdener1727]

THE PUSHROD LENGTH MIGHT NOT CHANGE WITH THAT CAM UNLESS THEY CHANGED THE BASE CIRCLE

[@jimreal3840]

Fantastic....thank you for doing this video..you explain things well and at the perfect pace..so the guy who put 14 -7.5 pushrods in my ls and 2 - 7.4 under the other 2 rockers is wrong...had a brand new cam put in..a good one! And he says cam is different so it's ok to use 14 of one and 2 of other..I just had a bad feeling all the way home....I asked a few guys and they all scratched there heads..i now have to bring engine to machine shop because it just can't be right like this..If anyone knows,you do...thanks

[@richardholdener1727]

they should all be the same

[@TheRoyal769sr]

Man! I needed this video for my Hemi build! Thank you

[@TheRoyal769sr]

Okay . After watching.. maybe not lol

[@jimmypoole2039]

Question for you i put my motor together and had a noisy valve train in the car dynoed at 320 whp, after doing some digging i had about .160 preload and with your method about 1 1/4 turns. The truck ran pretty good just seemed noisy. I put new pushrods in and my preload is closer to .80 about half a turn with your method. Does this seem about right? Also Do you think it was floating the valves before and have i gained any power?

[@richardholdener1727]

less preload should not change noise and will not greatly change power

[@walterbonilla2852]

Zero lash is taking out the up and down of the push rod correct? What about the turning of push rod ? At what force of trying to turn the push rod is to much ?

[@richardholdener1727]

YOU ARE SPLITTING HAIRS THERE-AT ZERO LASH, THERE WILL BE NO MOVEMENT AND IT WILL BE DIFFICULT OR IMPOSSIBLE TO ROTATE THE PUSHROD

[@jasonp8207]

Hi Richard, love your work. However, throughout the video, I see that the rocker pedestal (Tray) is upside down. Should it not be the right way up (with the writing not upside down) or doesn't matter?

[@crisashton573]

Excellent video! straight forward and don't need an adjustable pushrod.

[@dynamicraceworks]

What does 1 full turn equate to? .100'? need a little more detail please, running johnson lifters, they require .035' preload. in this case 1 1/8th turn would be too much.. assuming 1 full turn is .100'

[@richardholdener1727]

MEASURE THE THREADS ON YOUR BOLT-THAT PROVIDES TURN TO INCH RATE

[@dynamicraceworks]

@@richardholdener1727 Yes i understand that and i have all of the tools to precisely measure this but i felt it could be confusing for others without the above information.

[@javfernandez4695]

At what time stamp does he mention the ratchet turn safe zone range?

[@richardholdener1727]

.5 - 1.5 TURNS OF PRELOAD

[@jameswiz]

Hello Richard. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME???? You said "Your factory LS Pushrod measures 7.40 inches" but when I lookup the specs, and Measure my current pushrods, they measure in at 7.785in. Can you PLEASE shine some light on why the (Aftermarket) "STOCK REPLACEMENTS" always say 7.40in??? I'm afraid to go up from the 7.385, to the 7.4" but don't want to go down to the 7.375" which are the 2 choices in hardened rods I seem to find. So I'll keep watching, and hopefully, with some calipers, you'll measure the 7.4in on screen so I can see if they are really 7.4 or 7.385in... If you know the answer, PLEASE TELL ME!!! I'm running LQ9, with ceramic coated pistons, stock rods and crank, 243 Stock Heads, With Double Valve Springs for my TSP220R cam. 220/220 @ 0.6/0.6 112 LSA... So I think just a little to much could cause problems for me with my flat tops.

[@richardholdener1727]

IS YOURS AN LS7? OR SOMETHING WEIRD? EVERY LS PUSHROD UNLESS IT IS ON AN AFTER MARKET HEAD IS NEAR 7.4

[@jameswiz]

@@richardholdener1727 Mine is an LQ9 Truck, With Flat top pistons, 243 Heads, TSP 220R with duration of 220/200 and Lift of 0.600/0.600... With TSP .660" POLISHED Dual Spring Kit w/ Titanium Retainers, & PRC Integrated Seat/Seal, running on Ceramic coated LS2 Pistons and 4th gen rods... Other than my cam, all the parts are stock.. But the stock pushrods measure 7.385.. So I'm wondering what the aftermarket 7.4 actually measures and if that's why I should go with for the new springs, or just go with the shorter 7.375 Pushrods.... I don't want my valvetrain making noise, but I really can't run the risk of a valve hitting a piston. I know the stock 7.385" length works PERFECT for my application, but my new springs will need hardened pushrods, and I can't find them in 7.385 a I NEED... PLESE HELP!!!

[@jameswiz]

No aftermarket head. STOCK 243/799 LS Heads... (ported and polished) but same stock valve size...

[@jameswiz]

@@richardholdener1727 I've uploaded a 1:38min lonh video showing me measuring STOCK LS Pushrods. Please check it out... Maybe I'm measuring wrong... kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2WoeaR5hNeqjKc

[@mxguy2438]

Excellent video Richard

[@jsebastianstudio]

@richard Holdener when doing this procedure on a new engine with new lifters, would you soak the lifters/pump them up by hand prior to doing this turn method?

[@richardholdener1727]

yes-that is one way

[@jsebastianstudio]

@@richardholdener1727 okay cool guy. How about the most efficient/right way? You’re on here to teach/inform people aren’t you?

[@rustyjunk9008]

If I have a 7.400 rod and want another 3/4 turn, what does that equate to rod size? Or what does quarter turn equate to?

[@richardholdener1727]

try 7.450

[@rustyjunk9008]

@@richardholdener1727 i ordered a set. I'll let you know. Thanks!

[@sfmichael454]

I'm having a hard time understanding how a 'longer' push rod could take more turns to get to the bottom of the lifter. It would seem that it would bottom out sooner?

[@richardholdener1727]

more turns to bottom out the rocker on the stand because it is farther away with a longer pushrod

[@elektro3000]

Great explanation! I see how this works with no special tools, but it looks like it would work even better in concert with an adjustable pushrod, what do you think? Thanks!

[@richardholdener1727]

lots of different ways

[@GTStuning-]

Yes, mathematically you can find the precise length of pushrod using the pushrod length checker. Then knowing your lifter manufacturer's recommended preload, will give you an exact value when integrating that into the equation. There's a Katech video on youtube showing how to use the tool.

[@ethanslape8889]

doing heads cam on my ls7. heads are milled .025 with a bar stage 4 v2 cam. 7.800 is the stock length and the length of the hardened pushrods BTR sent with the kit. Seems like I have about 3/4 to a full turn from 0 lash to tight. can the piston touch the valves with too long of a pushrod? thanks!

[@richardholdener1727]

pushrod length does not change p-v

[@muddboy3476]

richard would too long pushrods also cause a pac 1218 spring to break? its an elgin ss2 cam with summit lifters and stock pushrods

[@richardholdener1727]

unlikely

[@muddboy3476]

thanks for the reply. found out that they are too short. rocker still has movement after being fully tightened

[@invertedpolarity6890]

How would you determine the number of turns you need if you were using lifters that were not stock LS lifters? What if it is a Morel lifter that recommends 0.060 preload? Clear as mud.

[@richardholdener1727]

then you need to be spot on with the pushrod length 1/4-1/2 turn

[@AdamMorton-u2h]

Hello richard hope you can answer this for me i have an stock lq4 stock headgaskets nothing milled i installed comp cam 54-469-11 that you like to use i checked pushrod length today with johnson lifters stock rockers. I was watching other videos now i think may have done wrong i came up with 7.34 length with preload however when i did it i did pushrod in exhaust port soon as it started drop i sw to intake side got my measurements. Since i know you have done ton test that block with cam you like should i be closer to stock length

[@richardholdener1727]

a 7.35 pushrod is close to the 7.4 stock length and we have run pushrods at that length-it is in the range of stock usage

[@garyfujinami9911]

Another awesome vid Professor! How do you translate, let's say.....2.5 turns to bottom out rocker, and ordering the correct pushrod? Wanting to change 2.5 turns to 1.5 turns equals what length change?

[@richardholdener1727]

MEASURE THE NUMBER OF TURNS PER INCH ON THE ROCKER BOLT

[@paulbrannam]

1 full turn= .079... so I would subtract 80 tho from what you currently have and that should put u at 1.5 turns... remember to check other pushrods or even better all... often I see/hear of 20 thousands difference in lengths... so I split the difference on mine. 1-1/16 turn to 1.5 turns.

[@TheWagRanch]

Richard, I am lost. I order some Delphi LS7 lifters, Comp 1.5 roller tip rockers and BTR 7.200 pushrods. I just realized in the LS world, the lifter is torqued to 22ft and not a desired amount of "turn" like the SBC is so I guess I screwed up. Does anyone know how to set pre-load on this style lifter in a 350ci L98?

[@richardholdener1727]

lifter is torqued to 22 lb-ft? Do you Mean rocker?

[@TheWagRanch]

@richardholdener1727 Oops yeah I meant rocker

[@richardholdener1727]

Setting the lifter preload on your SBC (assuming guide plates and adjustable rockers) is simply 1/2 turbo of preload past zero lash.

[@TheWagRanch]

@richardholdener1727 It's an 88 Roller motor so just 3/8 stud no guidplates

[@jasonfikes9514]

How did you determine the safe done of turns?

[@YZFoFittie]

Every lifter is different, but the bolt pitch means 0.050 travel per revolution. So the procedure is the same but you need to know the recommended preload for your particular lifter...

[@waynekats8319]

Today I ran a test on the pushrod checker at 7.450 I get half a turn on the preload on 7.475 I get 3/4 of a turn and at 7.5 I get one full turn a preload what pushrod to go with???

[@richardholdener1727]

ANY OF THOSE WILL WORK

[@syndicatestunts]

This was making me frustrated! Thank you! 👍🏽

[@turbhoeheflin1168]

That’s the way I’ve always done it. I have an adjustable push rod to measure and I’ve done both ways and get the same measurement.

[@raypowell5268]

Check out 187 customs video on ls pushrod length. I think both ways are good options.

[@richardholdener1727]

LOTS OF WAYS TO CHECK

[@ricardogranados5243]

Also, I'm trying to figure out my pushrods. -2005 lq4 Decked heads(not much came off -Ls9 flat top pistons -tsp stage 2 low lift truck cam(112 LSA) -high performance .550 lift springs -ls7 style lifter -stock rocker arms but upgraded to trunions -brian tooley 7.4 in length pushrods. Worried that with the head work, the pushrods might be too long. I see on the head that some was shaved off but only a couple spots so I can't imagine it being much? What do you think?

[@richardholdener1727]

watch the measure your pushrod video-its easy

[@yotamans0697]

So am i getting from this to buy a pushrod length set thats longer and shorter then my stock set and see which one turns less seems like a pushrod length checker would be much easier to use

[@justin_parks]

No that's not the point he's just giving examples. If you install the stock 7.4 push rods and you get more than a turn and a half or so they're too long, use common sense to figure out how long. Same thing if you don't have to turn it much. Imo 1 full turn to a turn and a half is the spot for ls7 lifters, a little more or less will work too. The difference in this vid between the 7.4 and 7.5 was a full turn, so you could say 1 turn is roughly 0.100 inches. IIrc the travel of a ls7 lifter is 0.170 and anywhere between 0.075 to 0.125 is the sweet spot, roughly. Hydraulic lifters have a little fudge room lol

[@rogergm92]

Is it normal to see the valve move instead of the lifter plunger? When im bolting after 0 lash the valve begins moving? Or are my lifters done? Im at 1 full turn

[@richardholdener1727]

it doesn't matter which one moves

[@rogergm92]

@@richardholdener1727 thank you !

[@RaytHeTruCkdriver]

Hey brother i got a question what size push rods would i need if i put on a set of 205 trick flow heads and a btr stage 4 cam on a 4.8

[@richardholdener1727]

you need to measure

[@RaytHeTruCkdriver]

@richardholdener1727 10-4 thank you brother for getting back in touch with me

[@bcbloc02]

If you knew the thread pitch and the rocker ratio you could actually calculate what the length value is from the turns.

[@jamesgeorge6551]

1.25 mm per thread is the pitch on the rocker arm bolt

[@baylymiley]

Did I miss where you said how much each turn equals length I’m only getting a 1/4 turn on a factory rebuild but probably close to .020 decked between heads and block deck

[@VRMN8R]

Is less than a 1/4 turn not enough???? My engine seems to lack power (in my opinion) and was wondering if maybe the valves arent open "far enough". Thanks Richard!!

[@SLAY3R8888]

I have taken the valve cover off of a stock LS3 6.2L, and also a stock LC9 5.3 (the 5.3 was yesterday). From what I can remember, on both of these engines I was able to "wiggle" some of the rockers side to side if no spring pressure was on them. No up and down movement, but I can twist them side to side. This was before loosening any bolts. I always assumed this was normal, but this video describes this movement as "lash". Has anyone else experience so-called "lash" on a bone stock engine? Is this an issue? TIA

[@richardholdener1727]

there is no lash when the lifter is pumped up, there should be preload on the rocker

[@SLAY3R8888]

@@richardholdener1727 Thanks, but I don't understand your answer. So is it okay for bone stock engines to do what I described or not? Also, love your videos ✌️

[@SLAY3R8888]

I think I get what you are saying. There are certain camshaft positions where it's normal for the rocker to wiggle. But those positions aren't the correct ones for performing this test. Do I have it right?

[@richardholdener1727]

there is no position on the cam on an LS that has lash, if the lifter is pumped up, there might be minimal side to side movement if the lifter is not pumped up

[@SLAY3R8888]

@@richardholdener1727 thank you!

[@irvingbar4569]

Can you do this with just removing one rocker and use the method or do all rockers need to come off for this method to work

[@richardholdener1727]

you can measure just 1

[@procharged94]

Zero lash and fingertip tight with a nut driver seem to be two very different settings for me. Once I feel like I have zero lash(lifter, pushrod, rocker, and valve tip all touching) I can still turn the bolt another half turn- full turn, just barely using my two finger tips and the nut driver. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Phantom-mk4kp]

You're too strong, get her indoors to do it

[@benzermeno1850]

I have a question 🙋‍♂️. I have new LS3 crate 6.0. I bought a new cam/springs set. 624/.624 lift pretty much Max lift for valve piston clearance. I have a set of comp cam pro mag roller rockers 1.8. Knowing the 1.8 will give me more lift. How do I compensate the pushrod to give me the same lift as a 1.7. Roller rocker.

[@richardholdener1727]

you can't change pushrod length and make any change in lift. don't use the 1.8 rockers-use stock. the lift is not what determines p-v clearance-its duration

[@benzermeno1850]

@@richardholdener1727 thank you.

[@Flexxx365]

Ok. Does that mean the pushrod I would actually need would be 50 to 75 thousands longer do to lifter preload? Or does this method work 1 in the same? Sorry I'm confused.

[@richardholdener1727]

if you have lash-it needs to be longer, if you have 2 turns of preload-it needs to be shorter-anywhere between these two extremes (1/2-1.5 turns of preload) will work

[@Flexxx365]

@richardholdener1727 you are truly amazing! Hats off to you sir.

[@Onthewater.rodandjesus]

Hey Richard, gotta 6.0 ls build. Almost done. Put the 243 heads on it shaved .008 to clean them up. Put a stock pushrod in for test and got a solid turn and 1/8th of a turn. So figured stock size was good. Ordered 11/32 thick 7.4 long btr pushrods and I get one full turn and 1/2 turns. But it compresses the spring jist ever so slightly? Best to send it back and get 7.350? Or is that slight spring compression normal

[@richardholdener1727]

why 11/32? length is fine-make sure your lifters aren't already partially compressed

[@Onthewater.rodandjesus]

@Richard Holdener not really sure lol first build and figured one step up might be considered better? Also figured it wouldn't hurt I guess. But thanks for all the info you put on here, has helped tremendously. I guess I can throw them all in, throw a starter on it and do a compression check. If the valves are closed it should hold compression.

[@Sookigarage]

So anywhere from 1/2 turn to 1-1/2 turns is fine? Lots of time spent on procedure but the target number of turns was barely mentioned. I think the is probably the most important part of the video. Overall good info though.

[@richardholdener1727]

1/2 -1 1/2 turns is safe zone

[@Sookigarage]

@@richardholdener1727 Thank you! Base don the thread pitch of the bolt, one turn would be .049" of preload, and I was under the impression you are usually shooting for about .050" preload. So 1 turn would be a good target I guess.

[@ody.a.g]

I have an L99 camaro just got a cam kit ss1 vvt done by gpi, ill be doing install.. head gasket is .040 and pushrods are 7.400 would that be any issues? Is it because the cam lobes are shorter? it should be fine

[@adamgreen9586]

I have a 2002 4.8 that I have an ls9 cam in it, I’m going to do this measuring method after I get the lift errs pumped up. Does it matter what kind of pushrods you use?

[@richardholdener1727]

you won't be very happy with that cam in that motor-requires a lot of change to the timing gear, harness to make it work and it will be down on power through most of the curve

[@mohanad1011]

Hi i got 1/2 turn on lt1 gen v btr cam and ls7 lifters and i hear some valve train noise I’m using 7.850 should i go with 7.900 or 7.875

[@mohanad1011]

And i got 1/8 turn in some times

[@richardholdener1727]

more preload should not change noise

[@mohanad1011]

What should I do then and is my preload good?

[@richardholdener1727]

1/2 turn is more than enough

[@chrisdunn2544]

Hey Richard need help. I have a 5 3 with Bryan tooley stage 2 torque cam morel ls7 lifters ls9 head gaskets. This may sound like a dumb question. When I first check the pushrod length I get 1 1/8 turn after zero lash. Then I cycle the engine and recheck it changes I have less turns after zero lash. As of now I got a 1/8 of turn. So am I suppose to rotate the motor are the lifters bleeding out the oil and thats why I am getting differant measurements. Hope this make sense.

[@richardholdener1727]

you are compressing the lifter and they might not pump back up without oil pressure

[@chrisdunn2544]

So is that normal for them to not pump back up? And bleed out like that?

[@chrisdunn2544]

What would be your best guess for pushrod length?

[@stevesavoca8730]

BTR stage 2 cam, LS7 lifters with 7.4” pushrods and my valvetrain is noisey! Do I need longer pushrods? HELP!!!

[@richardholdener1727]

easy to measure as shown in the video-how many turns past zero lash are you

[@danilopineda7705]

Thanks Richard..!!!

[@vtimou5772]

Hi,,,is it normal after installing pushrod and rocker,,,,then doing a full crank rotation,,,,i push down on the back of the rocker and the pushrod is easy to move down,,, ( probably because theres no oil in the lifter so its riding on the little lifter spring)

[@richardholdener1727]

you can squish the oil out of the lifter

[@vtimou5772]

@@richardholdener1727 thanks for the quick reply,,,they are new lifters,,,i soak them in oil for a couple of hours,,,,probably not enoughto fill completely

[@richardholdener1727]

SPRING PRESSURE CAN OVERCOME THE LIFTER UNLESS OIL PRESSURE IS PRESENT

[@timrosseno1416]

Hey richard love all your videos.. i have a question on rocker ratio..i run a spec class l/s engine 6.2..can i change to a L/S 7 rocker on the intake side 1.8 ratio can i expect to pick up any power ?? IF so how much appox..

[@richardholdener1727]

YOU CAN'T DO THAT

[@cstavro]

In your older video you said 7.5" pushrods made the most power. Here you say it is outside of the "safe" rage of 1/2 to 1-1/2 turns. What do we do?

[@richardholdener1727]

THE PUSHROD LENGTH CAN OBVUOUSLY CHANGE FOR DIFFERENT MOTORS, HAS THE BLOCK BEEN DECKED, OR THE HEADS BEEN DECKED, WHAT IS THE DEPTH OF THE LIFTER BEING USED, ETC... THE PUSHROD LENGTHS GIVEN WERE ON THAT MOTOR -YOU MIGHT GET AWAY WITH 2 TURNS (THATS WHY I CALL IT A DANGER ZONE AND NOT A DANGER POINT)

[@hamishgalletly3557]

good demo doing this now

[@maxthemadtuner]

Video is good to check if you have the wrong size.

[@moabman6803]

Would be cool if u did a dyno of stock heads with the rocker boss ported out.

[@richardholdener1727]

why eliminate the rocker boss?

[@moabman6803]

@@richardholdener1727 It's a really common thing people do when porting factory cathedral port heads in the forums. But their are no dyno numbers of before and after that I could find. Would also see the dyno numbers with the bowl cleaned up and the valve guide boss cleaned up. Basically just some light head work to factory heads that most guys could do in their garage.

[@jaimeozuna5879]

Your a life saver fam thanks 👍🎉

[@michaelsorenson9585]

Richard you are gifted with boost

[@TheBigEasyVette]

What if I'm using johnson 2110 lifters. I know people set the preload to 35 +/-10 I'm guessing I don't use the same "safety range"? So I'm confused about the preload and length of the pushrods with these lifters.

[@richardholdener1727]

this method is for stock (std travel) lifters

[@kerrymathers7439]

How much does that extra 360° turn equate to pushrod length? [eg: when ordering shorter pushrods]

[@unicornsqueezins7906]

You can determine that by using the TPI of the bolt, and calculating what one rotation is in distance.

[@TyroneShoolaces-f8e]

HEY DUDE, if im gonna do a cam swap and need to change my springs anyways, how much mor cost am i looking at if i get my heads milled enough to jump compression .5 to maybe even 1.0 more compression SO like goin from 9.5 % on stock LM7 to 10 .5 whata is a typical head milling like this cost? so i dont get rookie ripped off .... is pushrod length only thing to worry about goin from 9.5 to 10.5 compression? is that doable on87octane or am i lokking at 92 octane?

[@richardholdener1727]

no on 87, don't mill more than .030, check pushrod length

[@franciscoc2524]

Think i may have given you a little inspiration for this vid on a live stream lol, cheers!

[@dirtyglovekennels616]

Hope you don't have to change pushrod length every time you change your rocker arms and springs and lifters setup cuz I hope all the stuff I'm buying is the same....I'm just getting a slightly bigger cam....chopacabra or Truck Norris. Rocker arms and lifters from Michigan Motorsports

[@richardholdener1727]

you will need springs, rockers are stock, pushrods length usually the same

[@dirtyglovekennels616]

@@richardholdener1727 Lifters are on the way from Amazon.... (Michigan Motor Works, already have the Rockers from them) the final purchase shall be soon after I fix a couple of more customers vehicles that's when I'll buy the cam with the pushrods and Springs

[@dirtyglovekennels616]

@@richardholdener1727 great job with your videos, and you respond hecka fast!

[@morley3810]

Here's an idea for a video (I didn't see one in your library). Mild-moderate LS cam, LS6 or similar valve springs with stock and then hardened pushrods. Is there any difference below 5500-6000 rpm?

[@richardholdener1727]

THERE ISN'T

[@morley3810]

@@richardholdener1727 Figured that would be the case. So is it fair to say that for an LQ4 in my van that I use for towing that if the stock pushrods turn out to be the right length with the new cam installed it's not a necessity to change them?

[@thefixer1776]

I recently put my LS LQ4 together with 7.4 p.rods and I only get 3/8 turn to tight. Would dry lifters and fresh engine build cause it to be loose until engine gets some heat in it? Or do I need a 7.425 set of push rods?

[@richardholdener1727]

they need to have oil

[@terjehimle3107]

Thanks for the video

[@loganbuildz335]

I ordered 7.4’s to go with my BTR Stage 4 v1 truck cam bc everyone said that the stock pushrod length was fine. I then ordered ls7 lifters bc I read they were a better design but now after using this method to check pushrod length I’m getting 1 5/8 to 1 3/4 turns. Should I go with a 7.35 instead? I did not realize that the ls7 lifters cup sets up higher until after I bought them

[@richardholdener1727]

SEE HOW IT RUNS-THAT IS GETTING CLOSE

[@loganbuildz335]

@@richardholdener1727 will do thank you

[@Worldsokayestcraftsman]

Did i miss the minimum and maximum amout of turns within the video?

[@richardholdener1727]

1/2 turn min, 1.5 turns max

[@Babaden994]

Wouldn't you need several push rods to test it this way without a push rod measurer?

[@richardholdener1727]

YOU CAN USUALLY DETERMINE THE REQUIRED PUSHROD LENGTH FROM ONE LEASUREMENT

[@Babaden994]

@@richardholdener1727 so I'm swapping to a stage 3 cam with Johnson 2126 link bars oiled axel lifters, w. 30 thousands travel I believe. So I can use my stock push rod to figure out the length from the amount of turns off the bolt? Thinking about the math hurts my brain lol

[@liveandletlive2894]

I'm confused wouldn't a longer push rod make it tight. Why did the longer one leave play in the rocker?

[@morley3810]

Watch it again, I think you missed something.

[@jerrysantos7460]

what is the safe zone? My engine doesnt start after installing a stage 3 turbo summit racing cam and I have about 1 and 3/4 of a turn to get the bolt tight. Stock ls3 heads, stock pushrod length, stock rocker arms and stock lifters

[@richardholdener1727]

i would go shorter

[@mikeyvaness1088]

I just installed new lifters and factory length push rods. Is this method still accurate, or do lifters need to be pressurized first?

[@richardholdener1727]

THEY NEED OIL