Ive got a 355 thats been decked, I dont know how much, but i do know its not zero decked. how would i go about determining push rod length?
Right now I have stock length pushrods and I was wondering if this could have been a problem with my motor running bad.

Vince

 

You need to use a pushrod length checker and find out the correct length pushrod you need.

This should be posted in LT1 Tech though, moving there. Thanks.

 

Who knows how to use a pushrod length checker? How do you know what the "right" length is? Angle of the rocker?

 

http://compcams.com/information/Products/Pushrods/

 

Barring use of the checking tool, a good rule is to have the rocker contact point in the center of the valve end at mid lift. Taking note of the path of the rocker ACROSS the end of the valve stem, one realizes the not only pushes down on the valve, it also swipes across the end of the valve. This what is meant by poor rocker arm geometry of the oem sbc. Years ago, when the lift at the valve was .40" (or less) the poor geometry was not a crucial factor. That shortcoming of the sbc, AFAIC, is the original reason roller rockers came into being. With the poor geometry, the swiping action of the oem rocker arm, actually causes a slight power drain. Although not improving on the poor geometry, with the roller ROLLING on the valve end, in lieu of the sliding action, and thus less friction, there is less of a drain on the power supply.....I know, I know, you ? was dealing with a push rod length issue.

 

thanks for the help guys