Which Pushrods?

[Kid_Again]

hib just described what i've always done...i'll be darned


the only thing that i can add is to stick the fuel pump rod into heavy grease before you put that end into the engine block...the rod never drops

 

[Vette79]

Well, after long debates, thought, research and abuse, I decided to install cylinder heads with my current upgrade/project. Some of you are going, "I told you so" and all I can say to that is, "I know". Why go this far and not replace the cylinder heads? Anyways, these are the cylinder heads that I will be purchasing. They leave room for growth if I decide to upgrade further. They are expensive and new but will go well with what I already have. What do you all think?

http://airflowresearch.com/180sbc_sh.php

 

[Crimson Thunder]

Good choice.Those are the heads i want as well.

 

[fine69]

Well, after long debates, thought, research and abuse, I decided to install cylinder heads with my current upgrade/project. Some of you are going, "I told you so" and all I can say to that is, "I know". Why go this far and not replace the cylinder heads? Anyways, these are the cylinder heads that I will be purchasing. They leave room for growth if I decide to upgrade further. They are expensive and new but will go well with what I already have. What do you all think?

http://airflowresearch.com/180sbc_sh.php

Those look like an excellent choice, Jeff. You're gonna turn that Vette of yours into a screamer! :cool

Hmmmm... I picture new rear end gears and a shift-kit in your future.

Ralph

 

[Vette79]

Those look like an excellent choice, Jeff. You're gonna turn that Vette of yours into a screamer! :cool

Hmmmm... I picture new rear end gears and a shift-kit in your future.

Ralph

Ralph, I already have a shift kit...LOL. I will need to think about an electric choke. Any ideas? I have a Qjet with hot air choke.

 

[fine69]

Q-Jet

Ralph, I already have a shift kit...LOL. I will need to think about an electric choke. Any ideas? I have a Qjet with hot air choke.

Jeff,

I switched back to the Q-Jet with the electric choke in 2006 (got rid of the Edelbrock 650 Thunder Series AVS). I had my Q-Jet custom-built by Mountain Man Fuel Systems in Hackett, Arkansas (http://stores.ebay.com/mtnmancarburetorandfuelinjection).

I called the owner and gave him the specs of my engine. He then custom-built a Q-Jet with the electric choke to match my engine.

He used to work for a national rebuilder for 25 years, and did an excellent job with my carb. It was like a brand new carb, and fired right up (once I figured out the linkage). I have no regrets with switching back to the Q-Jet.

His name is Ted - very friendly guy. Give him a call and tell him what you're looking for (have your prospective engine specs ready), and he'll give you a quote. His phone numbers are: 479-639-2022 (day) or 479-462-7548 (evening). His email is tedmtnman@yahoo.com.

I am sure there are many other fine rebuilders available. I had an excellent experience with Ted -- he's fair and honest, and he was much less expensive than the other quotes I received for a custom-built Q-Jet.

Ralph

 

[Vette79]

I sent him an email. Thanks Ralph. Did you have to make any adjustments with the carb when you got it back?

 

[fine69]

Not too much adjusting was needed... just slight idle mixture, and choke. Ted did an excellent job. I believe it's a 1980 carburetor. I sent him an old, beat-up Q-jet as the core replacement.

 

[TODD L GRIFFITH]

http://www.compcams.com/Camquest/default.asp

Here is a free cam selection program from Comp.
It comes in handy when making selections such as cams, pushrods, valvesprings, lifters etc.

Looks like a Comp 7812-16 pushrod to me when I ran your selection in the program. Hib says they are cheap, so maybe the other model he suggested is more stout

 

[Vette79]

Hib's right. The 7812-16 pushrods are cheap. They are two piece pushrods. I would rather get what Hib suggested or Trick Flow Chromemoly one piece pushrods. The stock size is 5/16 diameter and 7.800'' in length for a 79 Vette.
Todd, thanks for the CamQuest 6 software. This is useful.

 

[TODD L GRIFFITH]

Your welcome. I use the software alot and it is such a valuble tool. I agree a better pushrod is needed with any cam swap. Regarding heads, did you say you were using the stock heads or buying new? Good luck with your build

 

[Bill75]

Hib's right. The 7812-16 pushrods are cheap. They are two piece pushrods. I would rather get what Hib suggested or Trick Flow Chromemoly one piece pushrods. The stock size is 5/16 diameter and 7.800'' in length for a 79 Vette.
Todd, thanks for the CamQuest 6 software. This is useful.

I'm a little lost here as to what you're going to do. If you're going to install new heads and roller rockers I wouldn't order any pushrods until you measure the length of the pushrods best suited for your motor setup using the adjustable pushrod tool Hib mentioned. I don't care what some guy tells you the length should be, I'd measure first before I bought anything.

 

[Vette79]

Your welcome. I use the software alot and it is such a valuble tool. I agree a better pushrod is needed with any cam swap. Regarding heads, did you say you were using the stock heads or buying new? Good luck with your build

I am going to install new cylinder heads and chose these: http://airflowresearch.com/180sbc_sh.php

 

[Vette79]

I'm a little lost here as to what you're going to do. If you're going to install new heads and roller rockers I wouldn't order any pushrods until you measure the length of the pushrods best suited for your motor setup using the adjustable pushrod tool Hib mentioned. I don't care what some guy tells you the length should be, I'd measure first before I bought anything.

OK. Thanks...

 

[Vette79]

Will I have to remove the fuel pump in order to replace the cam?

 

[Bill75]

Will I have to remove the fuel pump in order to replace the cam?

Yes, you have to get the fuel pump rod away from the camshaft lobe so the cam will pass by it on the way out.

 

[petes74ttop]

Yes, to get the pump rod out of the way. Pete.

 

[Vette79]

Thanks guys. I thought so. Now my question is, I am upgrading my heads, intake manifold, cam and a bunch of other accessories. My understanding is the stock fuel pump will work fine. Is there any reason to install a high performance fuel pump? And if I don't need one but install one anyway will it degrade performance or hurt anything?

 

[Curtis]

I really doubt your stock pump is too small. Mine works fine with about 400 HP and have no indication of fuel starvation. AS for the high performance pump if you don't need one.. it seems to me that would degrade your wallet more than engine performance. .. It may cause you to install a pressure regulator or return lines and more fittings and more lines and more stuff to leak depending on the style or kind of pump you buy. SAVE your money for fuel in the tank.

 

[Bill75]

I really doubt your stock pump is too small. Mine works fine with about 400 HP and have no indication of fuel starvation. AS for the high performance pump if you don't need one.. it seems to me that would degrade your wallet more than engine performance. .. It may cause you to install a pressure regulator or return lines and more fittings and more lines and more stuff to leak depending on the style or kind of pump you buy. SAVE your money for fuel in the tank.

I agree with the above, about the same HP here and using the stock pump. Save money for beer!

Here's some good reading on pushrods if you haven't seen it already:

http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/116_0401_setting_pushrod_length/index.html