Hardened Pushrods, 6.250"/6.274"

Application: 302 FORD w/ Factory Hyd Roller Lifters. GT40, GT40P, E7, HO 302

Alright.... In regards to pushrod lengths, we'd like to clear up a common misconception.

Question- Is the stock pushrod length for these engines 6.250" or are they 6.274"?

The answer is... (insert drum roll here) In this case, 6.274" & 6.250" represent the same length. What? How is this possible? Well, 6.274" is the "theoretical length" and 6.250" would be the end to end "measured length".

Lets see if we can clear up the difference, we'll start with theoretical length- For these engines, it's always listed between: 6.272"-6.274"

Theoretical length is what the pushrod would measure if it didn't have oil holes in the ends. These oil holes take away around .012" per end for a total of .024" for one pushrod. (Give or take a few thousands)

This is only for pushrods with "through oiling". On pushrods which are not drilled for "through oiling", the end to end measurement and theoretical length, would be the same. On engines like the 302, where oil flows through the pushrod to lubricate the top end, the measured length will be around .024" shorter than the theoretical length. Starting to make sense?

To understand this better, lets do a little math.

Since the stock pushrod length is between 6.245" to 6.255", lets call it 6.250" which is right in between. Then, lets add in .024" (.012" + .012" = .024") to see what we come up with.

  6.250"  (averaged measured length)
 +.024"  (.024" for missing portion of the ends radius from the oil holes)

= 6.274" (theoretical length)

The next question might be- Why do they use theoretical length figures for pushrods with oil holes? Well, because that's what the real length actually is, its the presence of oil holes that make the measured length shorter. Which begs the question- Then why would they use the measured length in some listings and theoretical in others? The old school method was always theoretical and in modern times, some manufacturers are trying not to baffle customers with hopes they'll sell more pushrods. Yeah, it can be confusing but this is the way it's been for many years.

Worth mentioning, some of the single piece pushrod companies use a totally different method called "Gauge Point". On single piece pushrods, the measured length will typically be around .015" longer than the length laser etched on the pushrod itself. This is the result of using the gauge point method.

Hopefully, this write up offers some clarity on this topic.

Alex~

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Listing Description:

These pushrods are heat treated for added strength and durability, they are the stock length for all pedestal mount rocker SBF 5.0 / 302 engines with factory roller lifters.

Of course, they can be used with any engine in need of a 6.250" length hardened pushrod and yes, they are guide plate compatible.

Standard length for small block Ford E7, GT40P, GT40 and HO 5.0/302 w/ factory Hyd Roller lifters.

    Specifications:

• Purchase quantity 1 for a set of sixteen pushrods
  
• 6.274" Overall length (theoretical)
• 6.250" Average overall measured length, end to end
  
• .060" wall thickness
  
• 5/16" Diameter
  
• Carbo Nitrided 1010 steel
• Suitable for performance street engines
• Manufactured in the USA by ELGIN Industries
  

Alex's Parts- The smart choice in valve train parts~