Pushrod lenght

[Irby G.]

Did the length of the pushrod stay the same (7.8") from 250-300-340-360 in '63? I'm changing my cam, lifters, pistons to Sealed Power since originals are no longer availiable, but am unsure as to which push rod to get.
Need some solid advise.
Thanks

[Clem Z.]

Re: Pushrod lenght

all small blocks use the same push rod length except the roller cam ones so just get the std length ones

[Irby G.]

Re: Pushrod lenght

Thanks Clem... I've also seen 'hardened' and there's a big difference in some prices...from around $20 to $120. I'll be using a mech cam. Do I need hardened or any special material. Why such a big difference in price?

[Clem Z.]

Re: Pushrod lenght

go with GM part# 12495491 push rod kit. these are std length but heavier wall which will not hurt and they are about $50 for 16

[mike cobine]

Re: Pushrod lenght

There are a lot of differences in push rods because of racing. Difference lengths, different thicknesses, different hardnesses, and so on. Racing puts stresses on them that were never on a street car and needs are different.

For a street car set up with mostly stock parts and configuration, stick with the standard push rods and that is all you need.

[Joe L.]

Re: Pushrod lenght

Irby-----

I agree with clem; go with the GM #12495491 pushrod kit. This kit contains 16 standard length, 5/16" OD GM #14044874 pushrods. These are "1 piece" pushrods (180 degree tips, as-original). A full set of these GM lists for about 45 bucks and you should be able to actually purchase them for less. It's a very good value in a very high quality pushrod and the pushrod configuration is very close to those originally used for your application.

The above pushrods are hardened. In the strictest sense, you do not require hardened pushrods since your engine does not use guide plates (unless someone has previously retrofitted screw-in studs and guide plates to your heads in which case you ABSOLUTELY need the hardened pushrods). In any event, I would use the hardened pushrods, regardless.

The current GM OEM-replacement pushrod for your application is GM #14095256. This is a "welded-ball" end pushrod (270 degree pushrod)with hardened stems. Welded-ball is a very good design (despite what some folks think), but it's not what was originally used for your engine and it's not required now despite the fact that it's the OEM-replacement specified by GM. Plus, this pushrod GM lists for $13.35 EACH and it's NOT available in a kit; you have to purchase them individually (i.e. $213.60 GM list for 16).

As an item of curiousity and historical interest, all 1963 Corvettes did not originally use the same pushrod. 250 hp and 300 hp engines used pushrod GM #3817616. 340 hp and 360 hp used pushrod GM #3796243. Both pushrods were the same length (7.78") and the same OD (5/16"). However, the 3796243 were hardened and stronger. They were 100% retrofittable to any small block, though, regardless of whether or not they were originally used for the application. The GM #14044874 pushrods contained in the GM #12495491 kit are equivalent to or better than the 3796243 and of virtually identical configuration. At 50 bucks, or less, for a set, what more could you ask for?

[Clem Z.]

if the pushrod has a stripe of blue paint

around it closer to one end than the other that end goes up. the orignal HP pushrods had one end that was formed from the tubing and the other end had a hardened insert which went into the rocker arm. if you looked close at the orignal ones you could see where the tubing stopped and the insert begain but GM put the paint stripe so wou would not install them upside down.

[Joe L.]

Re: if the pushrod has a stripe of blue paint

clem-----

Yup----the GM #3796243 are the "blue-stripers". Now. clem, I said "blue-stripers" and NOT "blue strippers" so don't go getting excited.

[Clem Z.]

Re: if the pushrod has a stripe of blue paint

sounds like my reputation has proceded me.