After my cam and head swap on my 5.3 (lm7) the valve train seems to be quiet noisy. I used ls7 lifter, 243s milled .030, hardened 7.4 pushrods, & stock .051 thickness gaskets I understand it's common when changing springs and components that it will be louder than stock but my concern is I can hear a slight ticking at idle and around 1,800 to 2,200 rpm or when cruising on the highway. Doesn't matter if the motor is cold or warm it does it either way. Don't think it's loud enough to be a failed lifter but I'm think maybe the pushrod length isn't correct. I have the pushrod length checker tool. Just not sure how to measure for preload and all that. Thinking maybe a shooter pushrod would help quiet it down? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks- Kyle

 

You milled heads .030 you now need a shorter pushrod instead of 7.4

 

A pushrod length checker is about $20.

Do it right the first time.

 

Do I just measure I just adjust the tool to where the rocker will sit in the middle of the valve spring? Or is it more complicated than that?

 

Like stated above, I already had the pushrods tool and have had it. Wondering more about preload measuring and such

 

Best way is to watch a youtube video on subject
Sometimes its easier to watch then to read

 

Alright, I'll see what I can find. I also found that the max preload you want for ls7 lifters is around .075 or so, I take it the shorter the pushrod is the lower it'll make the preload? Right now I'm probably around the .100 range maybe

 

IIRC, I set mine up with 0.075" preload. LS7 lifters on drivers bank and factory LQ9 lifters on the passenger bank. lol

 

Yes factory lifters want .075 preload

Anymore and youll hear noise from them being collasped

 

So from what I understand if I would have ran stock heads the 7.4 pushrod would have been fine and would of had around .075 preload, but since they are milled the preload is now around .105 with the 7.4 pushrod, dropping the pushrod to 7.375 would give me around .080 preload and a 7.350 pushrod would give me .055 preload. Any benefit to either one? Motor will be getting boosted eventually as well.