Ok never really paid attention to past debates about studs, pushrods sizes as I stayed stock since I have a 94 and well, they're hardened so I hear. But since I had an accident with a broken pushrod due to a rocker coming loose which cause a stock stud to snap well....

I've been thinking about getting replacementparts now and all of a sudden doing a search on "pushrods" and "studs" I'm getting multiple oppinions on getting the 7/16s cause their the best, strongest, etc.. yada yada yada...

So, what really is the main difference aside from the size of 7/16 or 3/8s??? If I were to go back to stock OEM for my 1994 since it is claimed to have hardened pushrods should I not worry about getting an aftermarket "Real Hardened pushrods"??? and if I do stay stock which is 3/8 size pushrods I dont have any choice but to stay with the same sized Studs... correct???

OK I'm even more confused now.....

 

You don't have to change pushrod when you change to a different size rocker stud, I wouldn't worry about the 3/8 rocker studs unless you're running a huge cam with lift in the .570 or greater area.

 

A good set of hardened pushrods should be fine for you. Also the 3/8 or 7/16 studs isn't really a debate. The 7/16's are stronger, but you will need to use guideplates with them due to the fact that they don't make 7/16" SA Roller rockers. If you are worried about the stock studs not being strong enough you can always get a set of ARP 3/8 studs for around $20. And I do think you are confused about both items. Stock pushrods are 5/16", and the 94's have hardened ones from the factory. The stock rocker studs are 3/8" and you need to use that size again unless you plan on swapping rockers as well.

 

The cam lobes and the spring pressure determine how good of parts you need. If you are doing a Hyd Roller the best things to get for the standard setup are ARP Pro Series 7/16 studs ($50) and Comp Hi Tech 5/16 pushrods... All pushrods are not made the same. I've seen and heard of variances in TFS Pushrods that can be up to 10%... the oil hole in the pushrod and the wall thickness of the pushrod have a huge impact on valve bounce and control along with the life of the parts/motor.

Bret

 

If you are going to upgrasde rockers anyway then I would say 7/16ths studs might be a good idea as long as you are buying parts. If you want to reuse your existing rockers then just get some good replacement 3/8th studs.