Adjustable Lifters
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 391
Likes: 0
From: Peterborough, Ontario
Adjustable Lifters
As the Lifter Turns, a continuing story
I got my valves out and removed the lifters, they are a solid body type with the 2 section screw. From what I can read the Johnson style were hollow type and that is what is on Red Headers web page for sale. Is the hollow lifter the way to go as they are lighter and as mine are solid does that indicate that they are poor reproductions.
Thanks
I got my valves out and removed the lifters, they are a solid body type with the 2 section screw. From what I can read the Johnson style were hollow type and that is what is on Red Headers web page for sale. Is the hollow lifter the way to go as they are lighter and as mine are solid does that indicate that they are poor reproductions.
Thanks
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,299
Likes: 1,059
From: NM
Solid ones were used (still are) on Ford tractors. Yeah, they're heavier, so if you want to wind your flatty out to 6,000 RPM there will be problems. 
Seriously, lots of folks have used the tractor lifters on the street with no problems. No question the hollow lifters are better for high-RPM use. The real issue is quality. Ford tractor lifters are solid but properly made. The radius on the lifter face, materials, heat treatment and surface fiinish are all factors. From what I've seen on the net (no personal experience), some of the chinese ones were inferior in just about every category. Most common problem (as you found) was the screw not holding.
Best lifter ever made IMO was the stock non-adjustable. They weigh a fraction of any adjustable, and are works of art as far as construction. They are available remanufactured, but it could mean more valve grinding is needed to get the right clearance.
Seriously, lots of folks have used the tractor lifters on the street with no problems. No question the hollow lifters are better for high-RPM use. The real issue is quality. Ford tractor lifters are solid but properly made. The radius on the lifter face, materials, heat treatment and surface fiinish are all factors. From what I've seen on the net (no personal experience), some of the chinese ones were inferior in just about every category. Most common problem (as you found) was the screw not holding.Best lifter ever made IMO was the stock non-adjustable. They weigh a fraction of any adjustable, and are works of art as far as construction. They are available remanufactured, but it could mean more valve grinding is needed to get the right clearance.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 391
Likes: 0
From: Peterborough, Ontario
Thanks Ross
I will not be winding my flathead up to anywhere near 6000 rpm, I will have too much money in it. I just want to put the right parts in at the right time. It looks like the ones sold by Reds Headers are hollow compared to my solid ones, makes sense to keep the weight down. I just want to adjust the clearance and drive it normally without it sounding like a thrashing machine.
I will not be winding my flathead up to anywhere near 6000 rpm, I will have too much money in it. I just want to put the right parts in at the right time. It looks like the ones sold by Reds Headers are hollow compared to my solid ones, makes sense to keep the weight down. I just want to adjust the clearance and drive it normally without it sounding like a thrashing machine.
