Rcguy,
The pushrods you see on my engine are screwed into plastic push rods. You see the metal in the picture I assure you I know better than to use all metal push rods on a gas engine.

Mazb,
I have the same standoffs you have from RC Showcase. They are just fine and you don't have to worry. It's not necessary to use anything other than 10X32 blind nuts to mount the engine. I've had no problems at all. Just make sure you use lock tite on the mounting screws.