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.