I figure, as a stock (92) pushrod, that it just crapped out with the quick revs and significant power I added. I've ordered all new COMP rods and roller rockers and will see what breaks next.......hopefully nothing.
I should have done the replacement in the beginning when it was all apart but they looked okay and, well, that was stupid. I did replace the lifters when the cam went in and didn't give much thought to the rods.
While it is now opened up, I have carefully looked at the springs, retainers and they look good.
I didn't over-rev or float a valve. I've done that in the past and what I felt and heard on Friday was not at all similar.
Let's hope this takes care of whatever happened. I think it was just a simple rod failure. Either metal fatigue or bad to begin.