[sfont66]

When ordering pushrods, I found that most of the time if the cam and springs come in a kit, the pushrod supplied is 5/16 x .080 wall.
I wanted just a bit extra …. My first choice would have been a set of Manton 502’s 11/32 x .120 wall but they are close to $400 and I still needed to upgrade the lifter trunions, so not right now, but an easy change later.

I did check out Trend and Smith Bros, but couldn’t find that they currently sell 11/32 pushrods . They must have a few years ago because I found articles from 2020 saying guys were running Trend 11/32 pushrods and liked them. Smith had 7/16 but I don’t think they fit without a little work to the heads. I know the stock 243’s and 799’s need the pushrod holes opened up a bit to fit 3/8, but that would likely be overkill for this little engine at this point.

Second choice was a set of Summit Racing 11/32 x.120 wall pushrods, and I did read in multiple articles they are made by Trend. But they are out of stock until 4/10/24
Third choice and final choice was a set from BTR . They are 11/32 x.080 chromoly, not quite what I wanted but still a bit stronger than 5/16 and a fair compromise on price and they were in stock.
I also ordered a trunion upgrade kit from CHE precision, they have very good reviews and do not require any special tools to remove the old or install the new trunions.
Both items should arrive by 2/20/24, looking forward to getting the rest of the engine back together.
Next I would like to do something with the coils, I would like to hide them with coil covers, but have found very few covers that look like they fit well for use with the round “heat sink” truck coils (D585 coils).
I also think I want to make the remaining portion of my exhaust 3” if I have the room
Still a bit of time before good spring weather, hopefully spring comes early this year. Can’t wait to get out and drive the truck again