who made those flat tappet hydraulic lifters

grumpyvette · Apr 21, 2014

in the 1970s there were 4 lifter companies in the US producing lifters
EATON
JOHNSON ,
STANADYNE
and G/M WHICH IS DELCO OR DELPHI.
There are also Morel lifters available which I believe makes the lifters for HOWARDS Cams,and a few other domestic cam manufacturers/suppliers,
the two large remaining lifter manufacturers are Johnson pro topline and Delphi
( BOTH johnson and delphi produce and sell hardened face lifters).
many less expensive import lifter, sets sold with bargain basement cam sets are much softer steel that is subject to rapid wear issues
Morel is a separate newer company.
they are all manufacturing first class USA made lifters.
but its the cam core,materials, lubricants and the cam lobe ramp acceleration rates that have changed, that have resulted in the increased flat tappet cam lobe failures as most lubricants are now designed for roller lifter engine requirements.
exceptionally aggressive cam lobe acceleration ramp rates, are pushing up too and at times over the limits of the materials,and valve spring load rates, especially if increased valve spring load rates designed for roller lifter valve trains and increased rocker ratios that are being used on the more aggressive ramp designs, as many guys fail to understand the required load rates, clearances and need for high oil flow rates.
Stop and think How much more do you gain in power vs how much youll sacrifice in longer term durability with the fast ramp cam designs.
The usual result is a almost negligible power increase with a huge decrease in valve train durability and its seldom worth the risk or longevity reduction on the valve train, especially with the increased valve spring load rates required to maintain valve train control over about 6000rpm.
the better quality hydraulic and solid flat tappet lifters have hardened bases
btw the best deal I found lately on basic hydraulic flat tappet lifters
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-ht817/overview/

87vette81big · Apr 21, 2014

There is one important factor to consider Grumpy.
To use a Race Roller Solid Cam requires a substantial up front investment.
$1-2K or more.
Even setup right, roller lifters wheels still can fail.
Its a risk either way.
On the street low Revs below 6200 Roller or Flat Tappet solid are close.

Pontiac V8 engines are kinda touchy with Race Roller Solids.
Lifter bores can explode apart.
Why SD455 Blocks alone worth $4-5k alone today.
At least 1/2 ruined by Racing Roller cam failures.
Problem has been addressed in new Indian Adventure Race blocks.
Just need to spend $5 K to make it yours.
I use Pacific Racing lifter bore reinforcement blocks.
Made by a guy in Canada.
Crower & Isky still makung thier own Lifters I am told.

who made those flat tappet hydraulic lifters

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