When I go to start mocking up my engine, degreeing the cam, checking valve to pistion clearance, etc etc. I'm going to need a solid roller lifter. The engine was originally a hydraulic roller from 96. I have the old lifters and was going to turn a couple into solid rollers. My question is has anyone ever done this? Any tips on what to use or how they did it?

Thanks
-Brent

 

Hydraulic lifters cannot be turned into solid lifters. You will need the solid roller designed for that motor. Or, if you want, and like I did, get some tall retro-fit solid rollers. Unless its just for a mock up. Then it's ok. But the second you tighten the rocker arms and press the pushrod into the lifter, then it's not ok.

 

Yea, this is just for mock up. I have a pair of light valve springs just for pre-assembly. What I was thinking is replacing the spring with a small steel tube, or shims? Here is a picture, an exploded view.

 

How do you people with hydraulic cams degree them in then?? or do you....

 

When I checked valvetrain geometry, I took a couple of old lifters apart and washered them up so they would simulate a pressurized condition.

 

After some careful measurements I was able to determine the height of the spacer/shim I would need to simulate a pressurized condition. I had some hard material (Delrin, thermoplastic family) rod stock here at work and used a lathe to kinda mill it down to the height of approximately .2020" +/- .0005". Reassembled the lifter and everything looks good to go. Maybe this will help some else make some check lifters for hyd. roller cams.

-Brent