Verifying correct pushrod length

[Oztin]

Hello, first post here. I'm half way through my 4L Stroker build and I'm trying to figure out what length push rods to order. I'm running the stock rockers, stock lifters and a Comp Cams Extreme 4x4 250H13 cam, PN: 163-201-5. I've already used my adjustable length push rod to figure out what length I need to take out all the play in the rocker when the cam lobe is at its lowest point. My results varied between 9.551" to 9.572". I averaged them out to 9.562" and figured 9.600 would be a good length to buy for all positions. I wanted to verify that by setting my adjustable push rod to 9.600", installing it, and putting a dual indicator on the spring cap to see how much travel I get. I expected at least .281" since that's what the cam card says the lift should be but when I rotated the crank I initially got almost .350" at the highest point but when I stopped rotating the dial slowly started going back down to about .250". One thing I feel like I should note is that I soaked the lifters in STP oil before I installed them.

Is this a normal result? Is this a proper way to check the valve travel? Am I over thinking this step? Should I just buy the 9.600" rods and send it? Any help would be appreciated.

[mpgMike]

0.281" is ab awfully low valve lift. Are you sure that isn't the actual lobe lift and not valve lift? To find valve lift, you multiply the lobe lift times the rocker arm ratio; 0.281 X 1.5 = 0.422". That is a much more reasonable valve lift number.

[Oztin]

Yes, I did mean lobe lift. .422" does maybe more sense for valve lift. I guess I would see that when the lifters are full of oil.

But as far as my rod length is the way I'm measuring it right? Is the test I'm doing necessary?

[Gorilla]

The stock 4.0L rockers are 1.6 and that cam is advertised for 0.450, That ties out with 0.281"