Lifters

[AZ3.8Camaro]

When I replace the cam, I was told to replace the lifters. Is it true? Opinions/Experiences?

[jeff-87z]

always replace the lifters when you do a cam swap ;)

[Dominic]

I agree... Very good idea to replace the lifters when you mess with the cam! It'll save you a headache later.

[xdamxincx]

what type of cam are u using ??? hydraulic or solid ???

[John_D.]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by AZ3.8Camaro:
When I replace the cam, I was told to replace the lifters. Is it true? Opinions/Experiences?<hr></blockquote>

The reason for this: the current lifters are worn in to the current cam, the wear patterns match. If you use the old lifters, it will accelerate the wear on the new cam.

I have gone the other way, used cam, new lifters, and it ran a long time. '69 Pontiac Catalina, 400 c.i. Originally bought the car from a junkyard for $250, had a flat lobe on the cam. Got a used cam that still had lobes in all the right spots. That thing would fly with a the new cam. The old lifters were very cupped on the bottom.

Anyway, you can check the bottoms of the lifters and see why everyone says replace them. They will probably be dished in a little. Hold the bottom of one lifter against the side of another lifter, and you can see how much dishing is present. That leaves a pointy edge that hits the cam lobe first, not a good thing.

[Magnus]

With flat tappet lifters, its a good idea to get them replaced..

We have hydraulic roller lifters.

I did not replace mine nor did Mike Huff.

The next set of lifters that my car sees might be solid rollers. :eek:

[AZ3.8Camaro]

So the hydraulics are ok to keep running and don't wear to the cam? I think I will go with the same cam Magnus has.

[John_D.]

I would agree with keeping the roller lifters. I keep forgetting we have them in our cars... The wear pattern would not be a significant issue with these.