Did some searches with mixed results. Do I use my stock 7.2" pushrods or, do I get new, after-market of the same size? OR do I get bigger ones? I am running same cam and intake but i'm bolting on the AFR 180cc heads with a 1.6 RR. Any brands or best bang for the buck ideas would be appreciated. I'm already over budget.. This whole thing started as an alternator swap.. you know how it goes.

 

Good idea to actually measure. Its possible the factory length will be fine BUT using the right tools and checking is the only way to know for sure with any combination. For what it's worth I've only needed stock length rods.

 

Yeah should measure. What gasket thickness? May need .050" longer rod but tough to say

 

Gasket is felpro 1003 which is .041 in.

 

Pistons are still .020-.025 in the hole on stock block and gm i believe used a .015 shim type gasket stock, so goin to a .041" is .026 higher. Pushrod assuming head geometry and valve hieghts remain the same as oem heads you would expext needing .026 longer in general

 

Thanks for the good info. The instructions say I need to use bolts with washers to prevent galling. Should I just spend the money and get all new ARP fasteners with washers? I'm also going to need some 1.6 roller rockers. Any advice there on best bang for the buck? Thanks again!

 

Put washers under bolts or buy arp stuff and also their lube for torquing them down.

I liked comp magum roller tip rockers for bang for buck.

 

does it matter if I need to get the self aligning kind if im using the guide plates?

 

If using guide plates you're not supposed to use self aligning rockers. Use standard non aligning.

 

Ok cool. Thanks for all the info and patience for my questions. This is new territory for me and there is almost too much information when I Google stuff.