Best Engine Push Rod Guide Plates of 2026

Robert Reyes Avatar
Robert Reyes
Last Updated: Feb 2, 2026

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Engine push rod guide plates are essential components in high-performance engines. They are designed to guide the push rods and ensure that they stay in the correct position during engine operation. Guide plates are typically made of high-quality materials such as steel or aluminum and are precision-cut to fit specific engine models. These plates are commonly used in overhead valve (OHV) engines and are especially important in engines that operate at high RPMs. Without guide plates, push rods can become misaligned, causing engine damage and reduced performance. Overall, engine push rod guide plates are a crucial part of any high-performance engine and are a must-have for serious engine builders.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

3mirrors Engine Valve Lifter Push Rod Guides 12595365 4-Pack Cover #TOP 1
3mirrors Engine Valve Lifter Push Rod Guides 12595365 4-Pack
ftb score rating icon 9.8
COMP Cams 4808-8 Pushrod Guide Plate Cover #TOP 2
COMP Cams 4808-8 Pushrod Guide Plate
ftb score rating icon 9.7
AngyMeck SBC Rocker Arm Studs & Guide Plate Kit Cover #TOP 3
AngyMeck SBC Rocker Arm Studs & Guide Plate Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Engine Push Rod Guide Plates

#TOP 1

3mirrors Engine Valve Lifter Push Rod Guides 12595365 4-Pack

‎3059GM01
3mirrors Engine Valve Lifter Push Rod Guides 12595365 4-Pack Cover
3mirrors NEW Engine Valve Lifter Push Rod Guides Trays 12595365 4XTray Bolts Compatible with GM Hydraulic Roller Lifters Gen IV III LS2 LS3 LS7 LS9 LSA 5.3 5.7 6.0 HL124 4 Pack

The 3mirrors Push Rod Guides are designed to fit GM Gen IV V8 engines, including popular models like LS2, LS3, LS7, and more. You get a set of four guides, ensuring you have everything needed for a complete installation. Made to match GM Original Equipment specifications, these guides promise reliable performance and durability. They are crafted to fit perfectly, providing smooth function and long-lasting use. Whether you're upgrading or replacing, these guides help maintain engine efficiency and provide a straightforward fit for your GM hydraulic roller lifters.

What We Like
OE quality and durability
Complete 4-piece set
Fits multiple GM engine models
Precise GM OE fit
#TOP 2

COMP Cams 4808-8 Pushrod Guide Plate

4808-8
Black
Flat
COMP Cams 4808-8 Pushrod Guide Plate Cover
COMP Cams 4808-8 Guide Plate, Small Block Chevy Flat for 5/16 Diameter Pushrods, Black

The COMP Cams Guide Plate is designed for precision and reliability in your engine. Utilizing advanced stereo lithography techniques, it ensures a perfect fit, which is essential for optimal performance. The hardened black oxide finish adds durability, protecting against wear and tear. With carefully placed studs and rounded contact points, you can expect smoother operation and reduced friction in your engine. This product is available in various configurations to meet your specific engine requirements, providing versatility for your needs.

What We Like
Accurate fit for performance
Durable black oxide finish
Smooth operation with rounded contacts
Various configurations available
#TOP 3

AngyMeck SBC Rocker Arm Studs & Guide Plate Kit

AM698039
AngyMeck SBC Rocker Arm Studs & Guide Plate Kit Cover
SBC 3/8 Rocker Arm Studs & Guide Plate Kit Compatible with Chevrolet Silverado Express 1500 Tahoe Camaro Corvette GMC Yukon Sierra 2500 Canyon Cadillac Buick Pontiac Hummer

The AngyMeck Rocker Arm Kit is designed to fit a wide range of Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Buick, Pontiac, and Hummer models, ensuring broad compatibility for many popular vehicles. This kit is especially useful if you own models like Silverado, Tahoe, Camaro, or Yukon, as it covers various years and trims. It includes 8 guide plates and 16 rocker arm studs, helping you securely install and maintain your engine's rocker arms. The guide plates are designed for 5/16" pushrods, and the studs fit 3/8" rocker arms, making them ideal for small block Chevy engines. This kit offers a reliable solution to keep your engine components aligned and running smoothly.

What We Like
Wide vehicle compatibility
Complete kit with studs and plates
Designed for small block Chevy
Supports proper rocker arm alignment
Includes durable screw-in studs
#TOP 4

COMP Cams Guide Plate for Big Block Chevy

4806-8
Black
1 Piece
COMP Cams Guide Plate for Big Block Chevy Cover
COMP Cams 4806-8 Guide Plate, Big Block Chevy Raised for 3/8 Diameter Pushrods

This engine push rod guide plate is designed using stereo lithography design techniques for accurate fit. It is hardened and black oxide finished, which makes it durable. The guide plate has exact stud placement and rounded contact points for maximum performance. It is available in different configurations to fit the engine's needs.

What We Like
Accurate fit due to stereo lithography design techniques
Durable due to hardened and black oxide finish
Exact stud placement and rounded contact points for maximum performance
#TOP 5

COMP Cams Engine Push Rod Guide Plates

4816-8
Black
5/16" Pushrod
COMP Cams Engine Push Rod Guide Plates Cover
COMP Cams 4816-8 Guide Plate, Small Block Ford Flat for 5/16 Diameter Pushrods

The COMP Cams Engine Push Rod Guide Plates are designed with stereo lithography techniques, ensuring ultimate accurate fit. They are hardened and black oxide finished, with exact stud placement and rounded contact points. Available in various configurations, these plates are ideal to fit your engine's needs.

What We Like
Ultimate accurate fit using stereo lithography design techniques
Hardened and black oxide finished for durability
Exact stud placement and rounded contact points for precision
#TOP 6

Speedmaster Pushrod Guide Plates PCE251.1005

PCE251.1005
Speedmaster Pushrod Guide Plates PCE251.1005 Cover
Speedmaster PCE251.1005 Pushrod Guide Plates

The Speedmaster Pushrod Guide Plates are essential for your Small Block Chevy 350 engine. These adjustable, two-piece plates ensure your 5/16" pushrods stay aligned, preventing deflection even at high RPMs. This alignment is crucial for maintaining optimal engine performance and longevity. Made from durable 5140 Chromoly steel, they are also treated with nitriding and black oxide coating, offering excellent resistance to corrosion and wear. By using these guide plates, you can enhance the reliability of your engine, ensuring it runs smoothly and efficiently for a longer time.

What We Like
Adjustable two-piece design
Durable Chromoly steel
Corrosion and wear resistant
Improves engine performance
#TOP 7

COMP Cams 4838-8 Big Block Ford Pushrod Guide Plate

4838-8
Black
3/8" Pushrod
COMP Cams 4838-8 Big Block Ford Pushrod Guide Plate Cover
COMP Cams 4838-8 Guide Plate, Big Block Ford 429 460 Raised for 3/8 Diameter Pushrods

The COMP Cams Guide Plate is crafted with precise stereo lithography design techniques, ensuring an exact and reliable fit for your engine. This means you can install it confidently without worrying about alignment issues. The plate is hardened and finished with black oxide, providing durability and resistance to wear, so it lasts longer under tough conditions. Its stud placements are perfectly positioned to match your engine's specifications, making installation straightforward. Additionally, the rounded contact points reduce wear on pushrods, helping your engine run smoothly and extending the life of your components.

What We Like
Precision fit design
Durable hardened finish
Accurate stud placement
Rounded contact points
#TOP 8

MURNELAP Push Rod Guide Plate for Exmark Quest Radius E S

127-9233
Multicolor
Large
MURNELAP Push Rod Guide Plate for Exmark Quest Radius E S Cover
MURNELAP for Exmark 127-9233 Push Rod Guide Plate, Quest Radius E S Series

The MURNELAP Exmark Push Rod Guide is made specifically for Quest Radius E S Series mowers, ensuring the push rods in your mower stay properly aligned and supported. This helps maintain smooth engine operation and prevents wear from misalignment. Designed to match part number 1279233, it meets exact specifications for reliable performance and durability, so you can count on your mower to work consistently. Using this guide plate helps keep your lawn mower running dependably, giving you peace of mind during your mowing tasks.

What We Like
Precise push rod alignment
Durable construction
Reliable mower performance
Exact part compatibility
#TOP 9

JEGS Small Block Chevy Pushrod Guide Plates

202000
JEGS Small Block Chevy Pushrod Guide Plates Cover
JEGS Pushrod Guide Plates | Fits Small Block Chevy | Made In USA | 5/16” Flat | Heat Treated | Black Oxide Finished | 8 Per Package

The JEGS Pushrod Guide Plates are designed to fit Small Block Chevy engines and come in a set of eight. These plates require you to use hardened pushrods, which helps ensure durability and better performance under high stress. They are heat treated, meaning they are strengthened through a special heating process to resist wear and deformation. The black oxide finish adds a protective layer that helps prevent rust and corrosion, keeping the plates looking good and lasting longer. Made in the USA, these guide plates are crafted with high-quality materials and careful assembly, giving you a reliable product you can trust for your engine upgrades.

What We Like
Durability with hardened pushrods
Heat treated for strength
Rust-resistant black oxide finish
High-quality USA-made components
Includes 8 guide plates per pack
#TOP 10

Comp Cams AMC 290-401 Flat Guide Plate Set for Pontiac V8

4851-8
Black
5/16" Pushrod
Comp Cams AMC 290-401 Flat Guide Plate Set for Pontiac V8 Cover
Flat 1 Piece Guide Plate Set AMC 290-401/Pontiac V8 w/ 5/16" Pushrod 7/16" Stud

The Comp Cams Flat Guide Plates are designed specifically for Pontiac V8 engines, fitting pushrods that are 5/16 inches in diameter. These plates are crafted using advanced stereo lithography techniques, which ensure a precise and accurate fit, making installation easier and more reliable for you. They come hardened and finished with a black oxide coating, providing durability and resistance to wear. With exact stud placement, these guide plates improve alignment and reduce pushrod flex, helping your engine run smoother and more efficiently.

What We Like
Precise fit design
Durable hardened finish
Compatible with 5/16" pushrods
Improved pushrod alignment
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What do pushrod guide plates do?

Pushrod guide plates keep the pushrods aligned with the lifter cups and rocker arms, preventing them from deflecting or walking sideways. These guide plates are hardened to ensure durability and prevent premature wear.

2. Do I need hardened pushrods with guide plates?

If you are using pushrod guide plates, it is recommended to use hardened pushrods as well. However, if you are using stock head holes, hardened pushrods may not be necessary.

3. Do pushrod engines make more torque?

Pushrod engines are known for producing a lot of torque at low RPMs. This is due to their airflow characteristics and the fact that pushrod engines typically have two valves per cylinder. However, pushrod engines may not rev as high compared to engines with more valves per cylinder.

4. Can you run roller rockers without guide plates?

It is recommended to use guide plates when running roller rockers. While using the stock type of rocker without guide plates is possible, guide plates help keep the valve clean of deposits by allowing constant rotation of the valve.

5. Why can't pushrod engines rev high?

Most pushrod engines have two valves per cylinder, which limits the amount of air intake at higher RPMs. Without sufficient air intake, the engine becomes starved for air and cannot rev as high. This design choice is mainly to keep the engine's design simpler and more cost-effective.

6. What does upgrading pushrods do?

Upgrading pushrods involves increasing their diameter and wall thickness, making them stronger, stiffer, and more stable. This upgrade improves the overall performance of the valvetrain and provides added reliability as a fail-safe component.

7. Does pushrod orientation matter?

While it is best practice to put the pushrods back in the same spots and directions they came out of, it is not critical. The orientation of pushrods is not a significant concern as long as they are installed correctly and function properly.

8. What does changing pushrod length do?

Changing the length of pushrods can impact power production at different RPM ranges. Longer pushrods can enhance power production at higher RPMs, while maintaining similar peak torque numbers. The effect of changing pushrod length is similar to adjusting valve lash on a conventional small-block engine with a solid roller or flat tappet setup.

Editor's Notes

During our engine push rod guide plates research, we found 24 engine push rod guide plates products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,865 customer reviews through our big data system to write the engine push rod guide plates list. We found that most customers choose engine push rod guide plates with an average price of $31.49.

The engine push rod guide plates are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of engine push rod guide plates, including 3mirrors, Comp Cams, AngyMeck, Speedmaster, MURNELAP. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 219 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Robert Reyes Avatar

Robert Reyes is a dedicated writer from San Francisco with a bachelor of degree in mechanics and a bachelor of degree in marketing. He focuses on making some complicated topics simple and enjoys explaining complex and technical things in an easy-to-understand way.