Pushrod clearance problems

For sure open then up, I had this happen with my Bulldog heads (Hughes heads) and bent 2 push rods, which caused the lifters to come out. It also wiped out 2 rockers. Worst of all, I lost the race.
We jigged mine up, and longated them. My buddy did his, and burned through the intake runner. Easiely fixed with JB weld.

how far did he go to get into the intake runner. that would have to be like 3/4"-1". i think i need maybe an 1/8" at most.