I have a 390 V8 FE engine with hydraulic lifters and non-adjustable rocker arms. I went to the local autoparts store to order a set of pushrods and they provided me with several different lengths. They were:<O</O
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1. Ball & ball type ends; Chrome-Moly; 9.595" (Sealed Power - RP3227R)<O</O
2. Ball & ball type ends; 9.68" O.A.L. (Sealed Power - RP3172A)<O</O
3. Ball & ball type ends; 9.621" O.A.L. (Sealed Power - RP3172)<O</O
4. Ball & ball type ends; 9.56" O.A.L. (Sealed Power - RP3172B)<O</O
5. Push Rod: .030" Oversize; 9.620" (Clevite – 2154049)<O</O
6. Push Rod: .030" Undersize; 9.560" (Clevite – 2154160)<O</O
7. Push Rod: 9.590" Length; (Clevite – 2154170)<O</O
8. High Energy Push Rods: 5/16 In. Diameter; 9 5/8 In. Length; 1 Piece; Only Works With Non-Adjustable Factory Rocker Arms (Comp cams – 78331)

Will all the options, I am confused. What push rod should I purchase? Any help is much appreciated.<O</O
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Respectfully,<O</O
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Lance<O</O

 

Stock Push Rods are 9.621 overall. They also come in a .060 undersize (short) or .060 oversize (longer) for taking up wear and machining tolerances. Start with the stock 9.621. The procedure for determining length needed is rather long winded. I can provide if needed.

 

Get a adjustable pushrod length tool from summit or similar summitracing.com

and proceed to check your preload to determine the proper length pushrod. See Article FE's That Bend Push-rods, A Dirty little Secret .: Articles

You can make the tool yourself with an old pushrod, nuts and a section of threaded shaft, however by the time you buy the stuff and put in the effort.. ??

There is also a matter of the geometry on the tappet. There is a link somewhere I've seen that explains using a black magic marker or dykem to paint the valve stem. Then when the engine is rotated the marking from the tappet should be center on the stem. If you cannot achive that with the pushrod length checker then the shaft assembly needs to be shimmed or shaved. IMU.. hopefully someone has a link they can toss at that.. but it is in here somewhere.

 

Thanks for the information. I will follow your directions accordingly.

Respectfully,

Lance