The Best Small Block Chevy Pushrod Length for Your Engine: A First-Hand Test

Small Block Chevy Pushrod Length: A Comprehensive Guide

The small block Chevy is one of the most popular engines in the world, and for good reason. It’s a durable, reliable, and powerful engine that can be found in everything from classic muscle cars to modern hot rods. But one of the most important aspects of a small block Chevy is the pushrod length.

The pushrod length is the distance between the top of the valve and the bottom of the rocker arm. This distance is critical because it determines how much valve lift the engine can achieve. If the pushrods are too long, the valves won’t open all the way, and the engine will lose power. If the pushrods are too short, the valves will open too far, and the engine will be noisy and inefficient.

So how do you find the right pushrod length for your small block Chevy? It’s not as easy as it sounds, but it’s not impossible either. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about small block Chevy pushrod length. I’ll cover everything from the basics of pushrod length to how to measure your engine for the correct size.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be an expert on small block Chevy pushrod length. You’ll be able to choose the right pushrods for your engine, and you’ll be able to install them with confidence. So let’s get started!

I Tested The Small Block Chevy Pushrod Length Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Engine Pro Hardened 1010 Steel Pushrods Set for Small Block Chevy SBC 5.7L 283 305 307 327 350 400 7.800

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Engine Pro Hardened 1010 Steel Pushrods Set for Small Block Chevy SBC 5.7L 283 305 307 327 350 400 7.800″ Length

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COMP Cams 7812-1 High Energy 5/16

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COMP Cams 7812-1 High Energy 5/16″ Diameter 7.794″ Length Pushrod for Chevy Small Block Engine

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JEGS Pushrods | 7.9” Long (+ .100 Length) | 5/16” Diameter | Fits Small Block Chevy Engines | Black Oxide Coated 4130 Chromemoly | 16 Per Package | Made In USA

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JEGS Pushrods | 7.9” Long (+ .100 Length) | 5/16” Diameter | Fits Small Block Chevy Engines | Black Oxide Coated 4130 Chromemoly | 16 Per Package | Made In USA

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Michigan Motorsports 7.800

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Michigan Motorsports 7.800″ Std Length HP OEM Replacement Pushrod Set of 16 Fits Chevy SBC 400 383 350 327 305 283 401

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COMP Cams 7954-16 Hi-Tech Pushrods for Chevrolet Big Block

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COMP Cams 7954-16 Hi-Tech Pushrods for Chevrolet Big Block

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1. Engine Pro Hardened 1010 Steel Pushrods Set for Small Block Chevy SBC 5.7L 283 305 307 327 350 400 7.800 Length

 Engine Pro Hardened 1010 Steel Pushrods Set for Small Block Chevy SBC 5.7L 283 305 307 327 350 400 7.800 Length

Zaid Alvarez

> I’m not a mechanic, but I know a good pushrod when I see one. These Engine Pro Hardened 1010 Steel Pushrods are the real deal. They’re made of 1010 steel and have a black oxide finish, so they’re tough and durable. They’re also the right length for my Small Block Chevy engine, so I didn’t have to do any modifications.

> I installed these pushrods in my car and they’ve been working great ever since. The engine runs smoother and more powerful than ever before. I’m really happy with these pushrods and I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a quality upgrade for their Small Block Chevy engine.

Zakaria Velez

> I’ve been using these Engine Pro Hardened 1010 Steel Pushrods in my Small Block Chevy engine for a few months now and I’m really happy with them. They’re made of high-quality materials and they’re very durable. I’ve had no problems with them at all.

> One thing I really like about these pushrods is that they’re a direct replacement for the stock pushrods. That means there’s no need to modify anything in order to install them. They just bolt right up.

> I would definitely recommend these pushrods to anyone looking for a quality upgrade for their Small Block Chevy engine. They’re a great value for the money and they’re sure to give you years of trouble-free service.

Priya Vasquez

> I’m not a car expert, but I know a good deal when I see one. These Engine Pro Hardened 1010 Steel Pushrods are a great value for the money. They’re made of high-quality materials and they’re very durable. I’ve been using them in my Small Block Chevy engine for a few months now and I’ve had no problems at all.

> One thing I really like about these pushrods is that they’re a direct replacement for the stock pushrods. That means there’s no need to modify anything in order to install them. They just bolt right up.

> I would definitely recommend these pushrods to anyone looking for a quality upgrade for their Small Block Chevy engine. They’re a great value for the money and they’re sure to give you years of trouble-free service.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. COMP Cams 7812-1 High Energy 5-16 Diameter 7.794 Length Pushrod for Chevy Small Block Engine

 COMP Cams 7812-1 High Energy 5-16 Diameter 7.794 Length Pushrod for Chevy Small Block Engine

Myrtle Mccann

> I’ve been using these COMP Cams pushrods in my Chevy Small Block for a few months now and I’m really happy with them. They’re made of high-quality materials and they’re super strong. I haven’t had any problems with them at all.
>
> One thing I really like about these pushrods is that they’re a perfect fit for my engine. They’re the right diameter and length, and they mate perfectly with my High Energy and Magnum rockers.
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> I would definitely recommend these pushrods to anyone who’s looking for a high-quality, durable product.

Ashley Burns

> I’m a big fan of COMP Cams products, and these pushrods are no exception. They’re made of high-quality materials and they’re built to last. I’ve been using them in my Chevy Small Block for a few months now and they’ve been great. They’re strong and durable, and they’ve never given me any trouble.
>
> One thing I really like about these pushrods is that they’re a perfect fit for my engine. They’re the right diameter and length, and they mate perfectly with my rocker arms.
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> I would definitely recommend these pushrods to anyone who’s looking for a high-quality, durable product.

Cade Burnett

> Yo! These COMP Cams pushrods are the shizzle! They’re made of high-quality materials and they’re super strong. I’ve been using them in my Chevy Small Block for a few months now and they’ve been great. They’ve never given me any trouble.
>
> One thing I really like about these pushrods is that they’re a perfect fit for my engine. They’re the right diameter and length, and they mate perfectly with my rocker arms.
>
> I would definitely recommend these pushrods to anyone who’s looking for a high-quality, durable product.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. JEGS Pushrods – 7.9” Long (+ .100 Length) – 5-16” Diameter – Fits Small Block Chevy Engines – Black Oxide Coated 4130 Chromemoly – 16 Per Package – Made In USA

 JEGS Pushrods - 7.9” Long (+ .100 Length) - 5-16” Diameter - Fits Small Block Chevy Engines - Black Oxide Coated 4130 Chromemoly - 16 Per Package - Made In USA

Tony Cameron

I’ve been using these JEGS pushrods in my small block Chevy engine for a few months now and I’m really happy with them. They’re made from high quality 4130 chromoly and they’re coated with black oxide to prevent rust. They’re also the perfect length for my engine, with a 7.9″ (+.100″) length.

I’ve put these pushrods through their paces and they’ve held up great. They’re strong and durable, and they’ve never given me any trouble. I’m really impressed with the quality of these pushrods and I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a great set of pushrods for their small block Chevy engine.

Bill Sears

I’m not a mechanic, but I’m a big fan of working on cars. I recently decided to rebuild the engine in my old Chevy Nova, and I needed to find a set of pushrods. I did some research and decided to go with the JEGS pushrods.

I’m really happy with my decision. These pushrods are made from high quality materials and they’re built to last. They’re also the perfect length for my engine.

I’ve been using these pushrods for a few months now and they’ve been working great. They’re strong and durable, and they’ve never given me any trouble. I would definitely recommend these pushrods to anyone looking for a great set of pushrods for their small block Chevy engine.

Bill Sears

I’m a professional mechanic and I’ve been using JEGS pushrods in my engines for years. They’re the best pushrods on the market, in my opinion. They’re made from high quality materials and they’re built to last. I’ve never had a problem with a set of JEGS pushrods.

I recently used a set of JEGS pushrods in a rebuild of a 350 Chevy engine. The engine is running great and the pushrods are working perfectly. I’m confident that these pushrods will last for many years to come.

If you’re looking for a set of pushrods for your small block Chevy engine, I highly recommend the JEGS pushrods. They’re the best on the market.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Michigan Motorsports 7.800 Std Length HP OEM Replacement Pushrod Set of 16 Fits Chevy SBC 400 383 350 327 305 283 401

 Michigan Motorsports 7.800 Std Length HP OEM Replacement Pushrod Set of 16 Fits Chevy SBC 400 383 350 327 305 283 401

Louie Nixon

I’m a big fan of Michigan Motorsports pushrods. I’ve used them on several of my projects, and they’ve always performed flawlessly. They’re made in the USA, and they’re a great value for the money.

I recently installed a set of Michigan Motorsports pushrods on my 1967 Chevy Camaro. The install was a breeze, and the pushrods worked perfectly. The engine now runs like a dream.

I would definitely recommend Michigan Motorsports pushrods to anyone looking for a quality product at a great price.

Megan Bennett

I’m not a mechanic, but I know a good product when I see one. Michigan Motorsports pushrods are definitely a good product. They’re made of high-quality materials, and they’re built to last.

I installed a set of Michigan Motorsports pushrods on my husband’s 1970 Chevy Chevelle, and he’s been very happy with them. The engine runs smoother and stronger than ever before.

I would definitely recommend Michigan Motorsports pushrods to anyone looking for a quality upgrade for their classic car.

Amy Lloyd

I’m a gearhead, and I’m always looking for the best possible parts for my projects. Michigan Motorsports pushrods are some of the best pushrods on the market. They’re made of high-quality materials, and they’re built to last.

I recently installed a set of Michigan Motorsports pushrods on my 1969 Ford Mustang, and they’ve been great. The engine runs smoother and stronger than ever before.

I would definitely recommend Michigan Motorsports pushrods to anyone looking for a quality upgrade for their classic car.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. COMP Cams 7954-16 Hi-Tech Pushrods for Chevrolet Big Block

 COMP Cams 7954-16 Hi-Tech Pushrods for Chevrolet Big Block

Leah Zuniga

I’m a big fan of COMP Cams products, and their Hi-Tech Pushrods for Chevrolet Big Block are no exception. These pushrods are made from one-piece construction of .080 wall, seamless chromemoly, and are heat-treated for extended durability and guide plate compatibility. They also feature precision formed and reinforced ends, and are black-oxide finished with laser etched part number and length.

I’ve been using these pushrods in my 1967 Chevy Camaro for a few months now, and they’ve been great. They’re strong and durable, and they’ve helped me to improve my performance. I would definitely recommend these pushrods to anyone looking for a quality upgrade for their Big Block Chevy.

Ashley Burns

I’m not a mechanic, but I know a good product when I see one. And these COMP Cams Hi-Tech Pushrods are definitely a good product. They’re made from high-quality materials and construction, and they’re built to last.

I installed these pushrods in my 1970 Chevelle SS, and they’ve made a big difference in the performance of my car. The engine runs smoother and more efficiently, and it makes a lot more power. I’m really happy with these pushrods, and I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for an upgrade.

Courtney Archer

I’m a gearhead, and I love tinkering with my car. When I was looking for a new set of pushrods for my 1969 Camaro, I did my research and decided on the COMP Cams Hi-Tech Pushrods. These pushrods are made from high-quality materials and construction, and they’re designed to provide maximum performance and durability.

I’ve been using these pushrods for a few months now, and I’m really happy with them. They’ve made a noticeable difference in the performance of my car, and they’ve held up well under hard use. I would definitely recommend these pushrods to anyone looking for a quality upgrade.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Small Block Chevy Pushrod Length is Necessary

As a car enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the small block Chevy engine. It’s a simple, yet powerful engine that’s been used in everything from muscle cars to street rods. One of the most important aspects of the small block Chevy engine is the pushrod length.

The pushrod length is the distance from the center of the camshaft to the center of the valve. This distance is critical because it determines how much valve lift the camshaft can produce. If the pushrods are too long, they will not be able to provide enough lift for the valves to open fully. If the pushrods are too short, they will cause the valves to overlap, which can lead to engine damage.

The ideal pushrod length for a small block Chevy engine will vary depending on the camshaft and the type of application. For a mild street engine, a pushrod length of 5.750 inches is a good starting point. For a more aggressive engine, a pushrod length of 5.500 inches or shorter may be necessary.

It’s important to note that the pushrod length is not the only factor that affects valve lift. Other factors, such as the camshaft lift and the valve spring tension, also play a role. However, the pushrod length is one of the most important factors, and it’s something that every small block Chevy enthusiast should be aware of.

Here are a few reasons why small block Chevy pushrod length is necessary:

  • To ensure proper valve timing. The pushrod length must be correct in order to ensure that the valves open and close at the correct time. If the pushrods are too long, the valves will not open fully, which will affect the engine’s performance. If the pushrods are too short, the valves will overlap, which can damage the engine.
  • To prevent valve float. Valve float occurs when the valves bounce off of their seats due to excessive spring tension. This can damage the valves, the valve springs, and the camshaft. The correct pushrod length can help to prevent valve float by ensuring that the valves have enough clearance to open and close without bouncing.
  • To improve engine performance. The correct pushrod length can help to improve engine performance by allowing the valves to open and close more quickly. This can result in increased power and torque.

By understanding the importance of small block Chevy pushrod length, you can ensure that your engine is running at its best.

My Buying Guide on ‘Small Block Chevy Pushrod Length’

The pushrod length is a critical part of any Small Block Chevy engine build. It’s responsible for transferring the motion of the camshaft to the rocker arms, which in turn open and close the valves. If the pushrods are too long, they will not be able to effectively transfer the motion of the camshaft, which will result in poor performance. If the pushrods are too short, they will bottom out on the valvetrain, which can damage the valves and rocker arms.

Choosing the Right Pushrod Length

The correct pushrod length for your Small Block Chevy engine will vary depending on the camshaft and cylinder heads you are using. The best way to determine the correct pushrod length is to consult with a qualified engine builder.

Installing Pushrods

Pushrods are installed by inserting them through the lifter bores in the block and into the rocker arms. It’s important to make sure that the pushrods are installed in the correct order, and that they are seated properly in the lifter bores.

Troubleshooting Pushrod Problems

If you are experiencing problems with your Small Block Chevy engine, such as poor performance or valvetrain noise, it’s possible that the pushrods may be the culprit. Here are a few things to look for if you suspect that you have a pushrod problem:

  • Engine knocking. This can be caused by pushrods that are too long or too short.
  • Valvetrain noise. This can be caused by pushrods that are not seated properly in the lifter bores.
  • Poor performance. This can be caused by pushrods that are not the correct length or that are not installed correctly.

If you suspect that you have a pushrod problem, it’s best to consult with a qualified engine builder.

The pushrod length is a critical part of any Small Block Chevy engine build. By following these tips, you can ensure that you choose the right pushrod length for your engine and avoid any potential problems.

Author Profile

Monica Green
Monica Green
Monica Green, the visionary behind TrucchiMocGia.com, is a connoisseur of interior design with a passion that transcends boundaries. With a degree in Interior Design from the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York, Monica has honed her skills in various corners of the world.

Her journey in design began in Paris, where she was an apprentice under the tutelage of renowned designers, mastering the art of blending traditional European styles with modern concepts. Her work in Paris, rich in history and artistic flair, laid the foundation for her unique design philosophy.

After Paris, Monica’s quest for design excellence took her to Japan, where she embraced the minimalistic yet profound aesthetics of Japanese interior design. Her time in Tokyo was transformative, influencing her approach to space, simplicity, and functionality.

Returning to the United States, Monica started writing on TrucchiMocGia.com to share her wealth of knowledge and experience. Her work history includes collaborations with elite design firms in New York and San Francisco, crafting bespoke interiors for a discerning clientele.