Understanding Pushrods and Their Role in Engine Performance

Pushrods are rods that are used to transfer motion or force from one location to another. They are typically used in engines, where they connect the camshaft to the valves, allowing the camshaft to open and close the valves to control the flow of air and fuel into the engine.

In a pushrod engine, the camshaft is located above the cylinders, and the pushrods extend down from the camshaft to the valves. As the camshaft rotates, it causes the pushrods to move up and down, which in turn opens and closes the valves. This allows the engine to breathe and produce power.

Pushrods are commonly used in V8 and larger engines, where the distance between the camshaft and the valves is too great for a camshaft-mounted valve train to be practical. They are also used in some smaller engines, such as those found in classic American muscle cars.

In summary, pushrods are rods that connect the camshaft to the valves in an engine, allowing the camshaft to control the flow of air and fuel into the engine. They are commonly used in V8 and larger engines, but can also be found in smaller engines.