Looking for a little consensus from the more experienced engine guys here. I just recently swapped lifters in my small block to a reduced travel (.093”), roller lifter. I’m using the mid-lift method on that straub technologies YouTube video to get my pushrod length. Thing is, I’m getting 7.75” for my length! WAAAAAY longer than anything I’ve ever used before. Johnson 2116SBR lifters and 1.52:1 Comp Ultra Pro Mags for rocker arms, 7/16” studs and .353” lobe lift. Coming from Morel 5372’s I was using a 7.5” pushrod. It just seems so long, is this not unusual for a SBC?

 

Are you using an OEM or aftermarket block? Same goes for the heads. Are you running stock or aftermarket heads with a thicker deck?

 

I wish I could afford an aftermarket block! Instead I’m using an 880 block that’s 0 decked and AFR #1038 heads.

 

I ran into this over the winter. Apparently there is no too long or too short, it's what works right. I had 7.800 pushrods and they were riding the intake side of the valve really bad. Using the midlift method, an adjustable pushrod, and check springs we came up with 8.200. The geometry is way better now.

 

I was able to bring home my calipers from work today. Can’t get a perfect measurement on the Johnson lifter but just measuring the body of the lifter alone is almost .250” shorter than the advertised cup height for the outgoing lifters. That definitely accounts for the large change. Guess I’ll measure again and get what I need.