Why would anyone need hardened pushrods?

[Pokageek]

Does it make a set up like mine safer to run hard or is it more for really high HP or supercharging or something?? Just curious..y'all know my set up..I am getting a 306 with crane 2031, flat top pistons (highest compression possible on pump with the right heads), stock heads (for now), decked and honed(whatever that means). Thx.

 

[RIO5.0]

I thought they were only needed if running guides, due to the wear factor??

 

[cobra259]

They didn't cost me much...just some ins....I guess. Rio5.0 is right..they are only (req) with guide plates.
I've got a set for sale (crane stk length) if your looking...New in the package, cheap.

 

[SlowGT]

...with the right heads...

...and that will determine the necessity of hardened pushrods

 

[94GTLaserRC]

If it's only a little more $$, why NOT do it while youre in there changing everything else?
RC

 

[jmagilto]

A couple of good reasons.

If you run guide plates you will need hardened pushrods. Otherwise when the guide plates come into contact with the pushrod they will begin to wear and as the pushrod is 'eroded' by the guide plate contact, the ejected metal from the pushrod will flow into your oil and potentially cause excessive wear on your bearings. Additionally, as the pushrods wear, they will eventually fail/bend.

 

[94GTLaserRC]

If you run guide plates you will need hardened pushrods. Otherwise when the guide plates come into contact with the pushrod they will begin to wear and as the pushrod is 'eroded' by the guide plate contact, the ejected metal from the pushrod will flow into your oil and potentially cause excessive wear on your bearings. Additionally, as the pushrods wear, they will eventually fail/bend.

I agree about the "wear" and erosion...but are there REALLY going to be metal pieces flowing around in there? Erosion is a long-term process. Im assuming we are all chaning the oil regularly. Hardened ones should def. be used, but is the metal in the oil more just 'theoretical'?
RC

 

[final5-0]

I agree about the "wear" and erosion...but are there REALLY going to be metal pieces flowing around in there? Erosion is a long-term process. Im assuming we are all chaning the oil regularly. Hardened ones should def. be used, but is the metal in the oil more just 'theoretical'?
RC

RC

I have not had the probs you talk about but I have seen threads where peeps did not know to use hardeded pr's when needed and they said they had metal shavings everywhere.

Later
Grady

 

[jmagilto]

My brother (dodgestang) and I built a 408 stroker cleveland. Langhorne speed shop gave us non hardened pushrods by accident. It was carnage. Metal everywhere. Don't mess around here. Its not worth it.
jer

 

[MarkFJ40]

High lift cams need valve springs with more pressure to prevent valve float.
The extra pressure and extra high rpm can hockey stick your push rods.
It sucks. Let me tell you.