Okay, so during my BBC build I will have to check for pushrod length and such. Couple of questions:

How or what tool should I use to check the length? I know for example that Wolfplace doesn't really like the Manley length checker. I don't have any old pushrods to use either to check. So how should I?

I'm going to have to do this build over a couple of weekends since I will be at school and have to drive home on the weekends to do it. I think I want to get the pushrods ordered first thing since that's really the last thing I have to buy. Would it be okay to stick the cam in first thing and bolt a head on, and stick a lifter in there and a rocker arm on 1 of each valve to check? I know it's not really the 'order' to put the engine together, but just to get it over with. The only problem I see with that is actually rotating the camshaft (since nothing to 'grab' onto), but i can always take it out and turn it a little then put it back in.

Anyway I hope that makes sense, and I appreciate the tips. Thanks..

Use adjustable length pushrods. Sold by Comp Cams, Trick Flow and others.

Get a pair of lightweight "checking" springs, too.

Don't forget to buy a Sharpie!

Originally posted by Schurkey:
Use adjustable length pushrods. Sold by Comp Cams, Trick Flow and others.

Get a pair of lightweight "checking" springs, too. =
Ditto ;)
And there is no reason you can't check them ahead of time as you planned especially with some light springs or even no springs if you are careful.

So I would guess I would need to get the right diameter pushrod length checkers I would actually be using, right?

Originally posted by OUChevelleSS:
So I would guess I would need to get the right diameter pushrod length checkers I would actually be using, right? Nope, just length ;)
You need two for a rat so you might as well just buy the full set of four which covers about anything you will do that has a ball tip on both ends. They are pretty cheap from Comp or Powerhouse (which belongs to Comp)
The Comp # is 7705 I think for the good ones.

Jesel sells a 5 pc pushrod checker (TOL-29400) that will handle from 6" to 12".

Sorry to dig this up again. How long of one would I need for a standard deck 454 BBC?

Originally posted by OUChevelleSS:
Sorry to dig this up again. How long of one would I need for a standard deck 454 BBC? Stock non hyd roller length is 8.280/9.250 give or take.
You will need two to cover these lengths.
They are 7.800-8-800 & 8.800-9.800 for the good ones as I recall.