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  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-

Flat tappet to roller lifters--older block

  • Thread starter Thread starter chazmanaz
  • Start date Start date Jan 25, 2026
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chazmanaz

Member
Mar 31, 2018
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Jan 25, 2026
#1
  • Jan 25, 2026
  • #1
i'm freshening up a block from 86 that had flat lifters. trying to use some parts from a HO block. The 86 block doesn't have holes where the dog bone tray is held down. Can I still use the roller lifters without bones and tray? What are my options?
Thanks
 

Noobz347

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor
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Jan 4, 1985
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#2
  • Jan 25, 2026
  • #2
I don't know what block you have. An 86 Mustang block is a roller block.
 
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chazmanaz

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Mar 31, 2018
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Jan 26, 2026
#3
  • Jan 26, 2026
  • #3
Block is from a f150
 

AeroCoupe

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes
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Oct 28, 2001
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#4
  • Jan 26, 2026
  • #4
If the bosses are there you can drill and tap the holes but it will hit the cam bearings. General rule of thumb with the F150 5.0 blocks is 1985 and up are roller blocks and they used flat tappet cams in them until about 1994.
 
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chazmanaz

Member
Mar 31, 2018
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Jan 27, 2026
#5
  • Jan 27, 2026
  • #5
Yeah, found a good video on YouTube. Now I just need to find my spider to hold the bones.
 

Noobz347

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor
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Jan 4, 1985
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#6
  • Jan 27, 2026
  • #6
https://www.cjponyparts.com/ford-performance-roller-camshaft-installation-kit-302-351w-1985-2001/p/M6253A50/
 
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