So. I bought this beautiful 70 GS tribute 455. Absolutely knowing that it was going to have issues. Ex heavy street racer. But nice paint, top, interior etc. Been working on it non stop since November when I got it. Worked through electrical, charging, top cylinders, you name it. Then this past Monday. Started popping through the exhaust. Took the valve covers off. Found #7 cyl exhaust push rod very loose. Barred the engine over. Found basically almost zero movement on it. Conclusion. Cam ng. So. Started thinking about my options. And what's in stock at TA. So. I'm thinking about going with a lesser cam than the 308s that's in her. Still staying solid lifters. Want to start fresh. New lifters and pushrods. Measured one of the pushrods at 3/8. And 9 5/16" length or I'm thinking 9.325. Question. TA only has one length of 3/8" pushrods. A friend suggested that I could go down to 5/16" and work with the length. Note: TA SE Stage2 heads. Which is cool. Im just looking for a respectable street ride. Not a pro mod. Just asking for input on cam options and especially pushrod issues. .
Sounds like a cool ride! Yes, you can safely use 5/16 pushrods, not many use 3/8ths anymore, mostly cause of the fitment issue thru the hole in the stock head.
You could go to 5/16 or 3/8 adjustable if you aren't opposed to adjustable. I've snapped adjuster studs before using them.
Install the new cam then with an adjustable pushrod determine optimal length. Order that length 5/16, .080" wall.
I have a used set of Comp Cam 7789-16, 5/16 X 9.300 X .080 wall pushrods and a used set of Comp Cam 7791-16, 5/16 X 9.400 X .080 wall pushrods that I will be taking to the GS Nationals to sell. Both sets have very little run time on them. Found them on the shelf this morning as I was gathering parts to sell. If either length will work for you, send me a PM.
