Quote: The pushrods were 5/16 x 9.31. That was with the original flat top pistons and .040 head gasket. Over the years I picked up 3/8 x 9.31 for the heavier valve springs, but as mentioned I will definately have to revisit this as I'll now be .030 less with .010 off the heads and .020 head gasket.
What is the length of a STOCK 440 pushrod? The factory used a steel shim gasket , .021 , just like all the steel shim gaskets sold now .
I know this is budget but if you are stuck on using stamped rockers and want specific hyd. preload then I would call Smith Bros and order a set of adjustable pushrods. The last 2 I did have them with stamped rockers because like you I wanted specific preload and it's the only way to get it exact, the valves heights are all a little off from each other unless you had an EXPENSIVE valve job done.
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