How far should I go upgrading my push rods? 383, World S/R heads w/2.02/1.60 valves, Comp XE276HR cam, Comp retrofit lifters (.503/.510 lift) and 1.5 full RRs. I measured push rods at 7.00 length for this setup. Am I good with something like a .080 wall 4130 push rods or do I need to be locking at .120 wall? Springs are 986es which are 140lb on the seat and 370lb/in which should come out to about 325lb opened. I've got 5/16 and am obligated because I'm not running guide plates. I'd like capability into the 6K range. I am fully aware that I probably will run out of juice before then but the goal is to pop these heads off and take the grinder to em at a point which will get me closer.

 

They should be fine to 6,000rpm +. If not running guideplates, you might consider using self-aligning rockers.

 

.080" wall is fine, I run that thickness on solid roller .650" lift with 600 pound springs.

 

.080 is fine for that

 

0.080" Is fine for your application. I run 0.135" wall pushrods on a solid lift cam but my engine also has over 0.800" lift, seat pressure is around 300# and I spin it to around 7400 rpm. Thin walled pushrods for me would bend like a straw or would have a huge amount of flex.

The limits of what you're going to do is well within the range of an 0.080" wall pushrod which is still much better than stock.