SBC push rod checker?

[Reed Granrt]

Originally Posted by Bub Whitaker

Grant says
" I'm now questioning whether the objective might not be to achieve the narrowest contact pattern on the stem tip, thus minimum side thrust and drag, then consider grinding even more lobe lift into the cam? "
Bingo, you got it...

I had already signed off and went to balancing a crankshaft but I would like to take a second to expound on this. I will never tell you this is correct but I BELIEVE it to be so. If you measure and set the correct rocker ratio, you will always have the smallest swipe pattern across the valve. Yes you can set rocker ratio by measuring the swipe pattern but that length is the result of correct ratio so why not set the correct ratio to start with, but proper ratio can be measured and attained by several methods. Choose your poison
reed

[Reed Granrt]

Originally Posted by rod

i read the entire discussion about push rod lengths. all very interesting.
so i want to know your thoughts on the push rod length checker [manley or proform].
what is the correct way to use this and what are the secrets to success using this checker?
thanks rod in AZ

What most of the checkers that you see or saw on the market dealt with trying to get the rocker arm in the middle of the valve. At that time, most people thought that was the best rocker arm geometry. Today, we know that is not true. You may end up with a rocker in the middle of the valve, but you just got lucky. In today's racing mode with angle milling heads and moving of valve guides even slightly, being in the middle of the valve is damn lucky. And also what contributes even more to this is the accuracy or lack of, is the rocker geometry. The short side of the rocker could be accurate and the long side could be long or short or vice versa. So you may could never get the valve in the middle.
reed

[Pat6868]

I was told by an engine builder that if you have your geometry right ,this will give you maximum lift. Would anyone have any info on how much lift is lost through hydraulic lifters due to spring pressures at race rpms. Thanks, Pat.