Flathead Adjustable Lifters:

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Feb 20, 2023 | 04:06 PM

leonharu

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 968

Likes: 71

From: Cherryville,N.C.

Flathead Adjustable Lifters:

I have a very reputable engine builder near my house that I spoke with about rebuilding the flathead engine in my truck.He informed me that he installs adjustable lifters in these engines when he rebuilds them.Last time it was rebuilt was 40 years ago and I know it don't have these in it now and it always purred super quiet.I drive my truck every day and use it like a truck!Is this a good or bad move?Please give me your thoughts.

Feb 20, 2023 | 06:44 PM

ALBUQ F-1

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 27,288

Likes: 1,053

From: NM

I assume it's a V8? This is a common way to go, has been for probably 70 years. The stock setup is really nice but requires more labor to get the valves set too the right clearance. But the stock lifters are lighter, and generally quieter. My machinist has a great deal of flathead experience and offered me a choice: $200 for a stock valve job, or $100 for one for adjustables. I went with adjustables.

Quality of the adjustables varies quite a bit, like most things today. If you go the adjustable route, get Johnsons from Red's Headers. They cost more, but have proper hardness. Note you also have to have the lifter bores drilled for a pin to hold the lifters while adjusting, which you don't want to do without a thorough block cleaning afterwards. You can try to get by with the Johnson tool for adjusting but they are miserable.

Feb 20, 2023 | 07:24 PM

3twinridges

Cargo Master

Joined: Nov 2014

Posts: 2,442

Likes: 256

The hollow adjustables at Reds have a waiting list. I would get on it if you want a set from them. Used originals can be machined and I might have to go that way if my machinist is ready to go before Reds expects replenishments in March.

JB

Feb 21, 2023 | 08:49 AM

Klawockvet

Cross-Country

Joined: Nov 2020

Posts: 51

Likes: 23

From: Klawock, AK & Lewis, CO

My mentors back in the fifties were adamant about using the stock Ford lifters and valves. I would pay the extra instead of using adjustable lifters that are likely inferior quality. The problem may be in finding OEM quality originals. Bear in mind that my opinion is not widely shared in today's world.

Feb 21, 2023 | 09:53 AM

Don Naslund

Laughing Gas

Joined: Sep 2014

Posts: 830

Likes: 39

From: Whittier

I had adjustables in mine and I used the Johnson tool without having a pin hole drilled. The Johnson tool worked fine. I may even still have my tool in my box.

Feb 21, 2023 | 12:33 PM

ALBUQ F-1

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 27,288

Likes: 1,053

From: NM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Klawockvet

In the '50's, I wouldn't hesitate to stay stock. Machinists knew how to do the valves without adjustables, probably did them daily. Nowadays? They may only do it once a year, if that.

The stock lifters are a wonder, compare them to the adjustables. Not that high-RPM performance is a consideration for most flatties:
Original Ford lifter, 45.1 g.
Old style Johnson hollow adjustable, 81.9 g.
Replacement Johnson, solid with a swirl cast in, 111.1 g.
Replacement solid with a groove cast in, as found in tractors. 117.5 g.
New Manufactured Flatattackracing. 79 g.

Feb 22, 2023 | 10:47 AM

fh4ever

Mountain Pass

Joined: Nov 2007

Posts: 185

Likes: 80

NAPA put adjustable lifters in mine 42 years ago....still no issues. If your builder is reputable, hopefully he knows where to get good quality lifters.