I am currently running an LE1 head/cam setup, with Harland Sharp 1.7r rocker arms. The only change that I made which will affect PR length is the .041" head gasket. Currently I have the rocker arm bolts bottomed (tight) and a 7.300 PR in there. I don't feel like that is correct. My problem is that the rocker bolts don't feel tight when I properly adjust for a 7.400" PR. I really think that I should have 7.400 in there, but I'm not confident about it. Can someone help me out with how to properly set this motor up so I can let it loose?

 

I just read that post and it wasn't very clear. I also have LS7 lifters. I don't know if that's pertinent or not. Also, the rockers are non adjustable type. When I put the 7.400s in there, they feel snug right away, as soon as I get the rocker bolt started. I am confused.

 

Get a pushrod length checker and check it. Thats the only way to know what length you need, anything else is just a guess.

 

I have one, but I think I am using it incorrectly. Does the lifter have to be collapsed (pumped down) when installing the PRs? I can see any other way of doing it. I have been running it with the 7.300s, I guess if I crack it open and there is slop in the PR I have to go bigger, if its tight loosen the rocker bolt. But that makes me concerned about water getting into the oil (don't some of the rocker nuts break into the water jackets on the 317 heads). Next time I am definitely getting adjustable rockers.

 

There was recently a thread in the Internal Engine section that linked to a write up on how to use a pushrod length checker. If you search some of my old threads in the same section, you'll find WCCH's and hirdlej's recommendations on lifter pre-load as well (search lifter pre-load, or preload)