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Stock push rods should have been 7.200". You can not run the engine with the length checler. You should assemble on pair of valves with checking springs (very light pressure) and bolt a head on the engine with a couple of bolts torqued very lightly to mock up the assembly. With the timing chain correctly installed and lash adjusted as well as you can with the checking springs, rotate the engine until you are certain you have impressed the clay. Remove the head and check the remaining thickness of the clay on the piston. That is the clearance (or interference) amount.