Oft forgotten in the violence that is a V8’s valvetrain is the pushrod, a critical and literal link between camshaft and valve, hoisting the latter to let in that precious perfume of gasoline and air. Those running the stock stuff up top have little to worry about as the factory-fit pieces are of proper length, thickness, and diameter.

For others that may have massaged their motor a bit more, it’s important to remember the criticality of checking for proper pushrod length, especially with aftermarket cylinder heads and rocker assemblies. Hughes Engines, as always, has the hot ticket for verifying correct length or being able to measure for a custom rod.

Their length-checking tool (P/N HUG 8220R) is available to buy if you’re into engines that often. Otherwise, it’s also offered for rent. As an added bonus, that rental fee is waived if the kit is returned and the customer purchases pushrods through Hughes.

The importance of length is probably obvious to most, but we’ll let the experts explain anyway:

Pushrod length is critical in obtaining proper valvetrain geometry. Improper geometry will rob your engine of horsepower. We provide this tool along with detailed instructions on how to properly determine the length of the pushrods.

The Pushrod Measuring Kit requires a deposit of $98.00; $20.00 is the rental fee charged, including packing & shipping, and $78 is refunded upon return of the Pushrod Measuring Kit.