Best Performance Push Rods of 2026

Robert Reyes Avatar
Robert Reyes
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2026

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Performance push rods are an essential component for high-performance engines. These push rods are designed to withstand the stress and strain of high RPMs and heavy loads. They are made from high-quality materials such as chrome moly steel, which provides increased durability and strength. These push rods are precision-engineered to ensure accurate valve timing and maximum power output. Performance push rods are available in a variety of sizes and lengths to fit different engine configurations. They are an excellent upgrade for anyone looking to improve the performance and reliability of their engine.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

COMP Cams 7702-1 Hi-Tech Pushrod Length Checker Cover #TOP 1
COMP Cams 7702-1 Hi-Tech Pushrod Length Checker
ftb score rating icon 9.9
COMP Cams High Energy Pushrod Set Cover #TOP 2
COMP Cams High Energy Pushrod Set
ftb score rating icon 9.8
COMP Cams 7808-16 Pushrod Set Cover #TOP 3
COMP Cams 7808-16 Pushrod Set
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Performance Push Rods

#TOP 1

COMP Cams 7702-1 Hi-Tech Pushrod Length Checker

7702-1
Black
6.800"-7.800"
COMP Cams 7702-1 Hi-Tech Pushrod Length Checker Cover
COMP Cams 7702-1 Hi-Tech Pushrod Length Checker 6.800" to 7.800" Length

The COMP Cams Pushrod Checker is crafted from durable steel alloy with a black oxide finish, ensuring you get precise and long-lasting measurements. This tool measures pushrods between 6.800" and 7.800", so you can easily check lengths without guesswork. Its clear and easy-to-read scale means you won’t need costly calipers to get accurate results. Using this checker helps you set the proper rocker arm geometry, which can improve your engine’s performance. If you want a reliable and straightforward way to measure pushrods, this tool offers convenience and accuracy every time.

What We Like
Durable steel alloy build
Measures 6.800" to 7.800"
Easy-to-read scale
Eliminates need for calipers
Ensures proper rocker geometry
#TOP 2

COMP Cams High Energy Pushrod Set

7812-16
Black
Multi Application
COMP Cams High Energy Pushrod Set Cover
COMP Cams 7812-16 High Energy 7.794" Long, 5/16" Diameter Pushrod Set

The COMP Cams 7812-16 High Energy Pushrod Set features a 5/16 inch diameter and 7.794 inch length that makes it the perfect choice for building street rods, RVs or daily drivers. These pushrods meet or exceed all OE pushrod specifications and mate perfectly with High Energy and Magnum Rockers. They are also constructed as a durable one-piece pushrod.

What We Like
One-piece construction for durability
Meets or exceeds OE pushrod specifications
Perfect for building street rods, RVs or daily drivers
#TOP 3

COMP Cams 7808-16 Pushrod Set

7808-16
Black
COMP Cams 7808-16 Pushrod Set Cover
COMP Cams 7808-16 High Energy 7.205" Long, 5/16" Diameter Pushrod Set

COMP Cams 7808-16 Pushrod Set is a high-quality performance pushrod set designed for Small Block Chevy engines with OE hydraulic roller cams. With a diameter of 5/16 inch and a length of 7.205 inches, these pushrods are the best choice for street rods, RVs, and daily drivers. They meet or exceed all OE pushrod specifications, ensuring reliable performance. These pushrods are designed to mate perfectly with High Energy and Magnum Rockers, providing smooth and efficient valve operation. The one-piece construction ensures durability, making them suitable for long-term use. Upgrade your engine with the COMP Cams 7808-16 Pushrod Set and enjoy improved performance and reliability.

What We Like
High-quality performance
Meet or exceed OE specifications
Perfect mating with High Energy and Magnum Rockers
#TOP 4

COMP Cams High Energy Pushrod Set

7831-16
Black
Ford Small Block
COMP Cams High Energy Pushrod Set Cover
COMP Cams 7831-16 High Energy 6.881" Long, 5/16" Diameter Pushrod Set

The COMP Cams High Energy Pushrod Set is designed with 5/16 inch diameter and 6.881 inch length for Small Block Ford 255 and 302, '65-up with Flat Tappet Cam. It is the best choice when building street rods, RVs, or daily drivers. These pushrods meet or exceed all OE pushrod specifications and mate perfectly with High Energy and Magnum Rockers. The durable one-piece construction ensures long-lasting usage.

What We Like
Durable one-piece construction
Meets or exceeds OE pushrod specifications
Perfect for street rods, RVs, or daily drivers
#TOP 5

COMP Cams Hi-Tech 5/16 Pushrods 7.425"

7796-16
Black
GM LS
COMP Cams Hi-Tech 5/16 Pushrods 7.425" Cover
COMP Cams 7796-16 Hi-Tech Pushrods, 5/16 Diameter, 7.425 Length

The COMP Cams Hi-Tech Pushrods are built from a single piece of strong chromemoly steel, which means they won’t bend or weaken under high engine stress, giving you reliable performance. They come with a black oxide finish that protects against rust and wear, so you won’t have to worry about premature damage. Plus, each pushrod is laser-etched with its part number, making replacements quick and simple. Whether you drive daily or race aggressively, these pushrods offer precise quality and are designed to handle tough camshafts and high-load springs, making them a smart upgrade for your engine.

What We Like
Durable chromemoly steel
Rust-resistant black oxide finish
Laser-etched part numbers
Designed for high-load applications
#TOP 6

COMP Cams Magnum Pushrod Set

7609-16
Black
Extra Large
COMP Cams Magnum Pushrod Set Cover
COMP Cams 7609-16 Magnum 7.300" Long, .080" Wall, 5/16" Diameter Pushrod Set

The COMP Cams Pushrod Set is designed for durability and performance. Made from a single piece of chromemoly steel with a robust wall thickness, these pushrods can handle high loads without bending, ensuring reliability in your engine. They are heat-treated, making them compatible with guideplates without risk of early wear. The black oxide finish protects against rust and wear, enhancing the longevity of your investment. Ideal for both street and racing applications, this set is a perfect upgrade for builds with aggressive camshafts and heavy-duty springs.

What We Like
Durable chromemoly steel
Heat-treated for reliability
Rust-resistant black oxide finish
Versatile for street and racing
#TOP 7

COMP Cams Magnum 9.350" Pushrods for Ford FE 352-428

7530-16
Black
Extra Large
COMP Cams Magnum 9.350" Pushrods for Ford FE 352-428 Cover
COMP Cams 7530-16 Magnum 9.350" Long, 11/32" Diameter Pushrods for Ford 352-428 FE w/ Adj Rockers

The COMP Cams Magnum Pushrods are designed specifically for Ford FE engines from 1965 to 1976, covering the 352 to 428 models. These pushrods have a sturdy 11/32 inch diameter and a length tailored for your engine, ensuring a perfect fit. Made from one-piece chromemoly steel tubing with a .080” wall thickness, they offer strong durability to handle high performance. The pushrods are heat-treated, which extends their lifespan and makes them compatible with guide plates, giving you peace of mind during heavy use. Additionally, the ends are precisely shaped and reinforced to provide reliable operation and reduce wear. These features combine to give you a durable and efficient upgrade for your engine.

What We Like
Durable chromemoly steel
Exact fit for Ford FE engines
Heat-treated for longevity
Reinforced pushrod ends
#TOP 8

Comp Cams High Energy 5/16" Pushrod Set

7834-16
Black
Ford 429-460
Comp Cams High Energy 5/16" Pushrod Set Cover
COMP Cams 7834-16 High Energy 8.550" Long, 5/16" Diameter Pushrod Set

The Comp Cams High Energy Pushrods are designed with a 5/16-inch diameter and an 8.550-inch length, making them ideal for those working on Big Block Ford 429-460 engines. These pushrods provide reliable performance, especially if you're building street rods, RVs, or using your vehicle as a daily driver. You can count on them to meet or surpass original equipment pushrod standards, ensuring durability and proper fit. Plus, they work seamlessly with High Energy and Magnum Rockers, giving you a smooth and efficient engine operation experience.

What We Like
5/16-inch diameter
8.550-inch length
OE specification compliance
Compatible with High Energy/Magnum Rockers
Ideal for street rods and daily drivers
#TOP 9

COMP Cams Magnum 7.450" 5/16" Pushrod Set

7639-16
Black
Extra Large
COMP Cams Magnum 7.450" 5/16" Pushrod Set Cover
COMP Cams 7639-16 Magnum 7.450" Long, .080" Wall, 5/16" Diameter Pushrod Set

The COMP Cams Magnum Pushrods are built from a single piece of strong chromemoly steel with a thick wall to prevent bending, so you can trust them to handle heavy engine loads without flexing. They’re heat-treated, which means you can use them with guide plates without worrying about early damage. The black oxide finish protects the pushrods from rust and wear, helping them last longer. Plus, each pushrod has a laser-etched part number, making it easier for you to find replacements when needed. These features make the COMP Cams Magnum Pushrods a reliable and convenient choice for both street and race vehicles.

What We Like
Durable chromemoly steel
Heat-treated for guide plate use
Rust-resistant black oxide finish
Laser-etched part numbers
#TOP 10

Manley 25736-1 Chrome Moly Pushrod 5/16" x 7.450"

25736-1
Manley 25736-1 Chrome Moly Pushrod 5/16" x 7.450" Cover
Manley (25736-1) 5/16" Diameter x 7.450" Long Chrome Moly Pushrod

The Manley Chrome Moly Pushrod is designed to provide durability and precise performance for your engine. Its length of 7.450 inches ensures a perfect fit for various setups, giving you reliable operation. The 5/16-inch diameter with a 0.080-inch thick wall offers strength and resistance to bending, so you can trust it under high stress. Featuring swedged ends, this pushrod allows for easy installation and secure connections. Made from chromoly, a tough alloy, it delivers long-lasting wear resistance, making it a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade or maintain their engine's performance.

What We Like
Durable 7.450" length
Strong 5/16" diameter
Thick 0.080" wall
Easy-install swedged ends
Chromoly alloy strength
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the strongest pushrods?

S-7 tool steel 3 piece pushrods are considered the strongest pushrods available. They are highly regarded by professionals and are often the top choice for high-performance applications.

2. Do pushrods make more torque?

Yes, pushrod engines are known for producing significant torque at lower rpm ranges. This is due to airflow and the use of two valves per cylinder in pushrod engines. However, pushrod engines typically do not rev as high as engines with overhead cams.

3. Why use longer pushrods?

Using longer pushrods can enhance power production above a certain rpm range, typically around 4,900 rpm. However, the peak torque numbers may remain similar to engines with shorter pushrods. The change in pushrod length can have a similar effect as adjusting valve lash on a conventional small-block engine.

4. Why can't pushrod engines rev high?

Most pushrod engines have two valves per cylinder, which limits their ability to take in enough air at higher rpm. This restriction in airflow prevents pushrod engines from revving as high as engines with more valves. However, pushrod engines have other advantages such as simplicity and compactness.

5. Are pushrod engines bad?

Pushrod engines have several advantages, including their compact size, simplicity, and pleasing sound. However, one drawback is that they generally cannot rev as high as comparable engines with overhead cams. This limitation is due to the number of valves per cylinder in pushrod designs. Despite this, pushrod engines are still highly regarded and widely used in various applications.

Editor's Notes

During our performance push rod research, we found 24 performance push rod products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 8,595 customer reviews through our big data system to write the performance push rods list. We found that most customers choose performance push rods with an average price of $104.06.

The performance push rods are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of performance push rods, including Comp Cams, Manley. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

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.