Hydraulic cam and solid lifters

[minorv8]

I am slowly getting fed up with hydraulic lifter bleeding down and causing nice clatter when I start the engine. I swapped new lifters in the engine and had even noisier engine. Turns out 4 lifters do not even work properly. Even with preload set correctly the lifters did not pump fully up. I swapped used lifters back using magnets and stuff since the engine is assembled (naturally) and has already been running.

So, the question is: can I run solid lifters with hydraulic grind ? I have adjustable rockers so that is not a problem ? Solid grinds are a bit too aggressive for my use.

[Bill Young]

You can run solid lifters, but the performance won't be what you want. The lobes are ground differently for a solid lifter cam versus a hydraulic lifter cam. Something to do with a "clearance ramp" as I remember which would effectively lengthen the duration when using solid lifters.

[roverman]

Actually thats an old, "drag racing only" trick. Without the "clearance ramps,the cam/lifters are on a short wear-out cycle. Please consider a hydraulic or mech. roller. Your "Merlins" can really wake up, with a roller. Make "Morris" fly ! PM ? Cheers, roverman.