In previous articles about pushrods, several designs have been discussed and explained. And although in these articles the developments, manufacturing and control processes are said to have matured over the years, there are still many race series worldwide where top-end pushrods are not used.

Often the reason is product cost. These race series rely on performance parts that are not as sophisticated as the high-level series, or not even production Read more…

When thinking of a topic about ‘pushrods’, one might think on the specifics of the pushrod as a component. Another is to think of the way valvetrain systems have developed over time, from the low in-block camshaft and pushrod-actuated side valve systems to the current four double-overhead camshaft systems, and everything in between.

Looking for a typical example of such an evolution, my interest was awakened in the BMW approach with its boxer motorcycle valvetrain systems, where clear Read more…

In the pushrod section of RET-Monitor the reader has been given an insight into the different aspects of pushrod design. Much information has been shared on the specifics of the pushrod concerning its shape, material and contact area of cup and/or bowl.

The specifics of the connection between the either hollow or solid centre part of the pushrod has been briefly touched on. In this article the different concepts of connecting the pushrod ends to the centre part are explored further. Read more…

In our May issue, we spoke about the challenges of pushrod fitment issues and how to find the proper avenues for combating strength and lightness problems. Beyond fitment though, there are the closely linked issues of pushrod adjustment and the inevitable challenge of cost.

Fine adjustment will always be needed in the valvetrain to allow for manufacturing and assembly tolerances of such a long chain of interacting components. Typically for pushrods, much more Read more…

While pushrods may not have a place in (relatively) unrestricted, top-flight racing engines any more, they are still a part of the racing landscape in many forms of racing, whether by regulation or through financial expediency.

NASCAR, of course, mandates the use of a pushrod engine in all its racing series, along with a single block-mounted camshaft and a controlled height above the crankshaft. Like almost every part of a racing engine, pushrod design is the subject of a Read more…

A strong and stable valvetrain is essential to power an NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Top Fuel rail down the 1000-foot dragstrip. For that reason, teams are always looking to improve stability of the pushrod.

For a long time, Kenny Bernstein Racing used only hollow pushrods - and purchased those exclusively from Manton Pushrods in Lake Elsinore, California. While the Top Fuel team continues to work with Terry Manton for its pushrods, the specification Read more…

Toyota Racing Development (TRD) of Costa Mesa, California maintains a long-term relationship with pushrod manufacturer Trend Performance of Warren, Michigan. “We’ve worked with them on many other projects as well as the NASCAR Sprint Cup developments,” notes David Currier, vice president of engine engineering at TRD.

Although the service life of intake and exhaust pushrods is, conceivably, longer than the 700 miles that make up each Sprint Cup race Read more…

“Any time we need a 3/8-inch diameter pushrod with a 0.120 wall, we go to Manley Performance Products of Lakewood, New Jersey,” state Stewart Van Dyne II and Stewart Van Dyne III (Tres) of Van Dyne Engineering in Huntington Beach, California.

Pushrod sizing is important for the 830-horsepower, 510-cubic-inch big block Chevrolet (with spec heads and manifold) that the Van Dyne father-and-son combo prepare for the American Power Boat Association (APBA) Super Cat used by two-time World Read more…

Every part on a NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Top Fuel engine takes more abuse than in any other type of racing. It’s the nature of the beast. Even the pushrods can get hurt – although they might have the longest life span of any integral part in the valvetrain.

This particular Manton intake pushrod was installed for eliminations at the penultimate NHRA round (of 24) on The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. It was being used in the Don Schumacher Racing Matco Tools Top Fuel rail of Antron Brown, who finished third in the season-long Read more…

Up until about five years ago, the standard pushrod outside diameter for a USAC National midget engine was 5/16 inch, costing roughly $6 each. That has changed, according to Frank Honsowetz of Ed Pink Racing Engines (EPRE). Now, he uses one of two Trend 4130 chrome moly pushrod specifications, both with carbo-nitriding that infuses carbon into the material for a better bearing surface.

Honsowetz said the 166-cubic-inch Toyota four-cylinder engine they build for use in USAC’s National midget Read more…