heads milled.055 , do i need shorter pushrods if i use adjustable rocker arms?

[71chargerse]

im getting ready to finish a 440 using .055 milled heads and some iron adjustable rocker arms but i dont have any pushrods yet. will i be able to use stock length pushrods or will i have to measure and order custom length ones? i have used these same heads on a 383 with non adjustable rocker arms and used a .030 shim on the shafts with the stock pushrods and didnt have any trouble. any thoughts on this?

[MoparMarcIdaho]

stock ratio?Should be OK to do the same as you did before I would think,I would by more concerned about the intake matching up myself,what intake do you plan on running?Should be able to use the tin gasket as a template and massage as needed.

[waldo67]

yes do some measuring and get the proper length push rod and even if you use adjustable rockers you will still need to get the propper length so that way you keep your valve train geometry correct and lifter preload correct

[dwc43]

Yep, measure and get new push rods like Waldo said.

[fastmopars .inc]

what's the difference between using a 10 dollar shim or a 200 dollar set of custom length pushrods?
im just wondering as i have always been quick to use the shim and the motor's seem to really wind up after the shims are installed

[dwc43]

Shims will make it leak oil and it wont properly oil the rockers and springs.

[waldo67]

100% true get the proper length pushrods

[71chargerse]

ok, ill get the checking rod and do it rite, thanks, all

[MOPARMANJAMES]

Has the intake side of the heads been milled so that the intake will fit properly?

[Eats4dz64]

The reason for getting proper length push rods is that if the push rod and rocker arent in there proper positions it causes loads of stress on the valve guide, damages top of valve and in some sever cases it can break the valve or push the cap down and release the keepers. Also an oiling issue earlier stated.

Dave at Hughes Engines told me how to check proper pushrod and rocker geometry but for the life of me I cant remember at what lift to check it. But he said (some where around 1/2 of lift) to check for the push rod and adjuster stud to be straight in alignment. Once this has been accomplished you are to check the swipe accross the top of the valve and make sure its not pushing on only one side of the valve but is running in the center.

Dealing with valvetraine is tedious work but verry much necessary! Good luck.

[waldo67]

i do know that for a solid cam you want 3 threads showing through the rocker and dave at hughes has told me this also when i bought my heads from him i think that a hydro cam is the same way with the propper length pushrod i think dont quot me on this but for the solid as per dave its gospel