I like to use a solid lifter when checking push rod length. Same when checking piston to valve clearance.
From Mike at TA: To check for the proper pushrod length with a hydraulic cam: Rotate the engine until the lifter is on the case circle of the cam lobe (valve closed). Install the adjustable pushrod in the engine and install the rocker arm assembly (if using roller rockers, set the adjuster screw to be flush with the bottom side of the rocker). Adjust the pushrod until zero lash is achieved (no slack if you wiggle the pushrod up and down), then lightly lock the adjuster screw. Remove the rocker arm assembly and the pushrod, then measure the total overall length of the pushrod. Add between .030"-.060" to determine the ideal pushrod length. For example, if your pushrod measures 9.513", the next available pushrod size is 9.550", which is .037" of preload. If the pushrod measured 9.534", you would probably want to use a 9.600" pushrod (.060" of preload) because a 9.550" would only give .016" of preload (not enough). If it is a solid cam, when you have the overall length of the pushrod, subtract the cold lash value from the length. If you only have a hot lash value, subtract .006" from that number to get the cold lash value. Regards, Michael TA Performance Products 16167 N 81 St Scottsdale, AZ 85260 480-922-6807
Yeah, that's fine IF (big IF) you compensate for the difference in pushrod cup height of the solid lifter vs. the hydraulic lifter (if any) and then add appropriate preload.
