Which is better push rod or timing chain?
Emma Newman
Updated on April 27, 2026
In this regard, why pushrod engines are better?
That's because pushrod engines typically use two valves per cylinder, which improves air velocity. At low rpm, when the airflow is more restricted, having only two valves for air to flow through speeds up the flow of the intake air. Higher air velocity leads to better combustion and, ultimately, more torque.
Also Know, is overhead cam better than pushrod? Like SOHC and DOHC engines, the valves in a pushrod engine are located in the head, above the cylinder. The key difference is that the camshaft on a pushrod engine is inside the engine block, rather than in the head. These long rods add mass to the system, which increases the load on the valve springs.
Also asked, are pushrod engines more reliable?
Pushrod engines are also simple, with far fewer moving parts that could break over time. That's a big part of the reason why Chevy's small-block V8s are famous for their reliability and durability. This simplicity also means a pushrod engine is generally cheaper to produce than an equivalent overhead-cam unit.
Why can't pushrod engines rev high?
Most pushrod designs feature two valves per cylinder. Any more than that becomes a complex design, which means the vast majority of mass-market engines feature just two valves. Without extra valves, the engine can't take in enough air at higher rpm and it becomes starved for air. Thus, it can't rev as high.