So, as I am assembling the 292 for my 55 TBird, I noticed that I have pushrods with different diameters.   8 of them are 5/16" diameter and 8 of them are 1/4" diameter.  Since I bought it as a basket case, I did not disassemble the motor, or the car for that matter!  So I don't know where they came from in terms of which cylinders to match them up to the lifters (which my machine shop said were ok).  I found the thread on pushrod length and it looks like my pushrods are either 8.09375 or 8.125. I am leaning toward the 8.125 since that is the overall length listed on John Mummert's site for 56 and while my measuring tools are not that accurate, I don't think I misread them by almost .2 inches.  The heads are 292 55 TBird 8.5 compression ratio.  However, the block is a 59-60 292 that has been bored 60 over.  

My question is:  Does it matter that 8 of the pushrods are only 1/4" diameter?  Should I just bite the bullet and buy a new set?  This isn't a high performance motor that will see much abuse as I am restoring it for my wife.

Thanks!

Frank

5/16" are tubular, 1/4" are solid.  Tubular are better but as long as they are straight, either should work.


Lawrenceville, GA

The 1/4" pushrods are solid, probably original to the '55 engine.  The 5/16 are either aftermarket replacements or '60 or later factory pushrods.  They are tubular.  There may be differences in overall length, but there is enough adjustment available to make up the difference.  The tubular are preferred with higher than stock valve spring pressures, but stock springs and solid pushrods have worked OK for 60+ years.   I do have a lot of original solid pushrods, you can have 8 for the cost of postage if you are intent on having them all original.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

Thank you gentlemen!  I will use them as is.  It is just another issue I don't have to worry about!