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Pushrod Suggestions?

CompSyn

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I just received a set of Comp Cams high energy #7883 pushrods for my 383 restoration build. The first one I pulled out of the box has the ball welded off center. Another one has a wobble when rolled across a flat surface. All the others seemed fine but these findings don’t leave me with much confidence. How does a guy get a good set of Pushrods?
 
The Comp Cams Magnum one piece ones I have used a few times with no problems or manufacturing faults.
Manton makes a fine product.
 
Went with Melling rods in mine. All checked out fine.
 
For years I was very satisfied with Isky & Crower, but that was years ago. Call Comp & voice your displeasure. I have Manton now.
 
Smith Brothers, Crane, MP and never had an issue! 440'
 
If you contact Comp Cams I believe they will send you two good pushrods. Then next time, if possible, I would spend more than $36 on my pushrods.
 
I couldn't agree more with IQ52, a lot is riding on those skinny metal tubes...off-the-shelf replacement rods were probably fine when they were made from Pittsburgh steel but anymore, even for a stock-style build I'd go with the good stuff, Smith Bros being my personal go-to as well. Cool car by the way!
https://www.pushrods.net/
 
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If you contact Comp Cams I believe they will send you two good pushrods. Then next time, if possible, I would spend more than $36 on my pushrods.

My mistake for assuming a well known brand name can manufacture a set of stock replacement pushrods with adequate quality control and without breaking the bank. It’s disappointing. I’d imagine Comp would make it right but thinking I’ll send them back and call Smith Bro’s, my neighbors in Oregon.
 
and while you are at it put in the strongest pushrods that will fit
and if your motor is apart fit 3/8
have you seen any spintron videos of stock type pushrods
what rockers
if roller tip do you haave b3 kit?
https://www.pushrods.net/product-page/sets-of-cup-rocker-screws-jam-nuts
allows longer pushrods for better geometry
depending on how hard core your build is
 
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Manton here. Used them a few times and always a great product ! Ron
 
A little update on my pushrod search.

I called both Smith Bros. and Manton. Both were helpful on the phone and comparable in price, about $160 plus shipping thereabouts. So I recognize these are among the best pushrods one can buy but given the application of my restoration 383 build, seemed like overkill.

So I called Brandon at 440 Source and told him about my issue with the Comp Cams pushrods. I asked him if he'd open a set of his stock replacement pushrods and check their straightness before shipping them. He said they sell tons of them with never a problem but agreed to check a set for me. He said they rolled fine with no visable wobbling. I believe these 440 Source pushrods are probably sourced from Elgin and Made In U.S.A., "Centerless ground from c1010 high carbon steel 5/16" tubing with a .060 wall thickness", Price: $29.95 plus shipping. Today I got around to checking them out at work. Rolled them on the Starrett Crystal Pink and they looked good. Then I checked the OAL with a Mitutoyo 12" caliper. The advertised spec is 8.575" and I came up with (+) 0.005" and (-) 0.002". I haven't seemed to find a tolerance in the shop manual for pushrods other than inspect and replace if bent. Do you guys think this would be within acceptable tolerance?
 
Many times we are lead to use the finest parts available. For example in this instance many of the brands mentioned are great. Personally we use Trend. But I think sometimes the big picture gets lost. In this case a stock 383 rebuild. I doubt if there would be any issue using the original push rods. Sometimes it's not rocket science. It's common sense and you wallet.
Doug
 
The advertised spec is 8.575" and I came up with (+) 0.005" and (-) 0.002". I haven't seemed to find a tolerance in the shop manual for pushrods other than inspect and replace if bent. Do you guys think this would be within acceptable tolerance?
That couple thousandths one way or the other makes no difference with standard hydraulic lifters..run 'em!
 
I'm using Manley...seemed like a pretty nice product. I think I paid $130-140 for a full set from Barnett Performance.
I think they go about a $180-90 elsewhere.
You said Smith Bros said $160??? When I called they quoted me $210!!!
 
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I'm using Manley...seemed like a pretty nice product. I think I paid $130-140 for a full set from Barnett Performance.
I think they go about a $180-90 elsewhere.
You said Smith Bros said $160??? When I called they quoted me $210!!!

That’s probably right. Going off my recent recollection it seemed like Smith was a little more than Manton. Manton was like $10 per rod plus shipping.

In my shopping around, don’t know that I saw Manley in B-block length?
 
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