SBC timing chains and push rods?

Robert Swartz · 07-31-2010, 05:45 PM

My first attempt at an IHRA 350/330 (340 corrected) HP crate engine. The Vortec steel head motor,heads were orginally built by Parsons & Myers. I am using the stamped steel GM performance rocker arms. The camshaft is a Comp Cams stocker grind paired with Sherman lifters.

Not looking for deep, dark secrets. Just like to see who recommends what. I can order a chain and push rods out of book or at the local parts store today for that matter. Any brands that are better and maybe why?

Alan Roehrich · 07-31-2010, 06:45 PM

Cloyes Fast-A-Just timing set, and Comp/Trend 3/8" 0.080" wall pushrods.

SSDiv6 · 07-31-2010, 08:44 PM

Rollmaster Timing Set and Comp Trend or Smith Brothers pushrods.

richie 2 · 08-01-2010, 06:55 AM

compcams # 3100 tue roller timing set w/keyways. its a cloyes unit, heavydudy & priced right @ $49 from comp. ive used lots troublefree. their 3/8" x .080" pushrods also....you'll have to dryrun for the proper length/pattern though...worth the effort.

Robert Swartz · 08-01-2010, 07:06 AM

Thanks guys. Gives me a little direction. Wasn't aware of Trend Performance. Looked up their website, some nice stuff.

My partner and I had already discussed the Cloyes timing gear, we'll likely need adjustment when we degree in the cam. He raised a point about push rods. We've never used the Vortec heads on anything. Any problems as far as using stock length push rods? Last thing I want to do is bend a valve. I can't get over how radical the lobes are on these cams. Sure are different than the "stocker" cams we had in the 70's!

Right now, my biggest concern is wiping out the cam when we fire this motor up.

Alan Roehrich · 08-01-2010, 08:51 AM

Robert, the pushrods you get from Comp are Trend.

I prefer a Fast-a-Just over the Hex-a-Just because the Fast-a-Just is stronger, you can adjust it with the valves adjusted, and there is not nearly so much slack in the adjusting mechanism. Also, if you want to adjust the timing later, with the Hex-a-Just, you have to loosen the cam gear retaining bolts. I like to use Loctite on mine.

You will probably need to use an adjustable length checking pushrod in order to get the correct length pushrod for geometry and valve lift.

07-31-2010, 05:45 PM	#1
Robert Swartz Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Nineveh, Indiana Posts: 512 Likes: 0 Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts	SBC timing chains and push rods? My first attempt at an IHRA 350/330 (340 corrected) HP crate engine. The Vortec steel head motor,heads were orginally built by Parsons & Myers. I am using the stamped steel GM performance rocker arms. The camshaft is a Comp Cams stocker grind paired with Sherman lifters. Not looking for deep, dark secrets. Just like to see who recommends what. I can order a chain and push rods out of book or at the local parts store today for that matter. Any brands that are better and maybe why? __________________ Robert Swartz - Swartz & Lane 66 Chevy II Pro 95 Achieva EF/SA, 78 Mustang II U/SA (work in progress) #354 stock

07-31-2010, 06:45 PM	#2
Alan Roehrich Veteran Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Murfreesboro TN Posts: 5,097 Likes: 1,542 Liked 1,772 Times in 402 Posts	Re: SBC timing chains and push rods? Cloyes Fast-A-Just timing set, and Comp/Trend 3/8" 0.080" wall pushrods. __________________ Alan Roehrich 212A G/S

07-31-2010, 08:44 PM	#3
SSDiv6 VIP Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Glendale, Arizona Posts: 3,036 Likes: 710 Liked 1,538 Times in 575 Posts	Re: SBC timing chains and push rods? Rollmaster Timing Set and Comp Trend or Smith Brothers pushrods.

08-01-2010, 06:55 AM	#4
richie 2 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 967 Likes: 418 Liked 200 Times in 91 Posts	Re: SBC timing chains and push rods? compcams # 3100 tue roller timing set w/keyways. its a cloyes unit, heavydudy & priced right @ $49 from comp. ive used lots troublefree. their 3/8" x .080" pushrods also....you'll have to dryrun for the proper length/pattern though...worth the effort.

08-01-2010, 07:06 AM	#5
Robert Swartz Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Nineveh, Indiana Posts: 512 Likes: 0 Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Re: SBC timing chains and push rods? Thanks guys. Gives me a little direction. Wasn't aware of Trend Performance. Looked up their website, some nice stuff. My partner and I had already discussed the Cloyes timing gear, we'll likely need adjustment when we degree in the cam. He raised a point about push rods. We've never used the Vortec heads on anything. Any problems as far as using stock length push rods? Last thing I want to do is bend a valve. I can't get over how radical the lobes are on these cams. Sure are different than the "stocker" cams we had in the 70's! Right now, my biggest concern is wiping out the cam when we fire this motor up. __________________ Robert Swartz - Swartz & Lane 66 Chevy II Pro 95 Achieva EF/SA, 78 Mustang II U/SA (work in progress) #354 stock

08-01-2010, 08:51 AM	#6
Alan Roehrich Veteran Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Murfreesboro TN Posts: 5,097 Likes: 1,542 Liked 1,772 Times in 402 Posts	Re: SBC timing chains and push rods? Robert, the pushrods you get from Comp are Trend. I prefer a Fast-a-Just over the Hex-a-Just because the Fast-a-Just is stronger, you can adjust it with the valves adjusted, and there is not nearly so much slack in the adjusting mechanism. Also, if you want to adjust the timing later, with the Hex-a-Just, you have to loosen the cam gear retaining bolts. I like to use Loctite on mine. You will probably need to use an adjustable length checking pushrod in order to get the correct length pushrod for geometry and valve lift. __________________ Alan Roehrich 212A G/S

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