pushrod length help

Make or buy an adjustable push rod. A cheap method is to take one out of the junk yard or an old one. Cut a piece out, tap threads in it and screw a stud in there. A long bolt can be cut to make a stud also. A tap and die kit is about 20 bucks at most part stores. Would be easier to buy one of these. I have everything to make them so I do. Cheap way out for me.


A measuring tape isn't precise enough. You need one of these. It has to be more than 6 inch reach...I have this 8 inch reach one from HF.


This will get you exactly what you need. You can adjust the rod to get the pattern you need. Then remove and measure it. .010 is very hard to see with the eye.

From what I've been reading, a better way to achieve the correct pushrod length is by using the adjustable pushrod tool, but using a dial indicator, finding mid-lift (by checking total lift at the valve tip) and when you're set up at at mid-lift on the valve, the rocker should be exactly 90 degrees to the valve. I understand it may not yield the best, most centered pattern on the valve tip, but the pattern will be as narrow as it can be by using this method, which is the most important thing to look for.

Am I wrong here?

I found this method a few years ago and have used it more than once with great results, definitely get an adjustable pushrod to
help with set-up.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5is9BsH5OU

Adjustable measuring tool is a must and also a digital caliper as well as a solid lifter or a checking spring.