Anyone have any experience with variable duration lifters? I know that the Rhoads lifters are suppose to be the best, but I'd like to not have the noise of them. I was wondering about the Crane variable duration lifters, they claim to have the same benefits, but without the noise, has anyone used these or any others? Rhoads claims they're the only true variable duration lifter, and the others don't work, anyone know? Thanks

I've run the Rhoades since 1990 in my 76 sbc 400 4x4 blazer,along with Comp Cams Mag 1.5 roller tip rockers. Never had any problems. Light ticking noise is no big deal although it was a little louder with the stamped steel vavlve covers vs the cas aluminum covers. I was not really cammed big enough to require VD lifters, but I was looking for the best throttle response. This truck has had all kinds of induction on it: Rochester, Holley & Edelbrock carbs, Holley Projection FI system and now the TPI project. The Rhoades lifters have worked well with everything and raised my vacuum at idle, light off-idle and cruise, and throttle response increased as well.

I have been a little concerned about the knock sensor starting to pick up some lifter clicking/rocker clicking registering as knock as my motor has over 230k on it. My brother just gave me a set of the Crane VD lifters and a set of Crane 1.6 magnum rockers, so I may be changing them in a month or so to see if that reduces any potential knock that the sensor might pickup.

Last note, I've never had any "pump-up" problems. Also, to my knowledge, they don't make them in a roller version for 87+ motors.

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KevinP92Z
92 Z28 383 SLP cam,SLP headers,SLP 2ontheLeft,Trick Flow TW heads & pistons,Edelbrock base,Accel SuperRam,52mmTB,Scat Crank & forged ConnRods,MSD 6AL,SLP convertor,Baer 13/12" Track,Moser axles,Hotchkis,Genuine GM 3.42s,SLP HD Torsen,17x9" chrome SS rims
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[This message has been edited by KevinP92Z (edited May 18, 2001).]

I switched back and forth between stock, Crane, and Rhoads on my '86 IROC LG4 (back in '87). I remember that the Rhoads seemed to produce the best low end torque and throttle response, but were also the loudest. Crane's were loud too, but not as much power difference as the Rhoads. When I switched from Rhoads back to stock because I was sick of the ticking noise, I noticed a loss of low end power instantly. I guess that means they work, but the noise is quite annoying. I had steel headers and steel valve covers though...

Just how loud are the crane's? I thought they were suppose to be quiet. That's how they advertise them, variable duration without the noise. So is it worth the extra money for crane VD lifters, versus regular lifters? Will I feel a difference, because I do have a slightly big cam, and I do need the extra vaccum and power down low. Thanks

I have Crane VD lifters, but I havn't really used them enough to give you a real review yet. I can tell you they're a ^%^!$^!$ PITA to get the lash set on...and I probably pull an inch or 2 more idle vacuum than I otherwise would, but thats about all I can tell you. They also do tick a little bit...but it's hardly noticable, can barely hear it.

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The cranes are quieter than the rhoades, but the rhoades work better. AFAIK neither one is offered in roller lifters.

Just lookin for any last responses from anyone on this, in case anyone missed it, and before I buy. I'm doing my cam swap very soon here, and I can't decide if the Rhoads or Crane are worth the extra cost, if you really feel a difference, and just how bad the noise is, and if it's worth putting up with the noise for whatever added performance. Anyone with any experience with these, please respond. I can't decide. Thanks.

I have to agree w/ all the above posts. Go with the Rhoades. When we used to run Hyd cam engines, they made the best overall power compared to any other. A couple of years ago, I built an dirt track engine for a guy that ran in what they called "Enduro" class, which is kinda like Hobby Stock in other areas of the country, but The rules dictate that you must run a Hyd cam, so we ordered a Custom grind Ultradyne HYD and used Rhoades lifters and he won the points championship last year with the same engine I built for him 2 years ago, so besides them performing well (which no one here seems to dispute)they obviously are durable as well.

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82 Z28 383, Ported 215cc Dart Iron Eagle Heads, Comp custom grind roller cam, Speed Pro .250" domes, Wheeler Motorsports 4340 I beam rods, Eagle 5140 steel crank, Weiand Team G intake, Holley 800 DP, hedman headers
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Mid Atlantic F Body -82 Z28 Page

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[This message has been edited by Basett Racing (edited May 23, 2001).]

go with rhoads, from what i've heard the crane cam lifters are actually rejects from the making of the normal lifters that bleed a little. rhoads have a patent for their design so so one else can have a true variable duration lifter, i think, but i have never actually used them

question: how much can you "overcam" if your using rhoads? could my basically stock LG4 take a a Crane 113931 with a couple changes? more? less?