GT390 Block. Solid Lifter OK?

[brin0357]

Just wondering if a GT390 block is ok oiling wise to run solid lifters. Is there anything that needs to be done to the block? Ive got the cam and comp cams roller rockers and I am waiting on the lifters. Just wanna make sure I am ok running this. Its advertised at .550 lift and 296 duration I believe. I know that doesnt mean much so dont lecture me on it

 

[D.Hearne]

If you're using the "dumbbell" type lifters, you can remove the oil gallery plugs in the lifter valley that lead to the lifter passages and slip restrictors (I used a couple of cylindrical roller bearings that were slightly smaller than the passage) down into the passages below the plugs. This method keeps a little oil flowing there, but not the amount needed for hydraulics. Just the oil puddled in the valley is sufficient to lube the lifters on solids. The extra flow helps the rest of the engine. If you're going with shell type lifters, then you don't need to do anything.

 

[brin0357]

I am not sure what you mean by those lifter type terms.

 

[1320stang]

They look like tiny barbells.

 

[brin0357]

Are those the one that are machine down around the middle of the lifter, as oppoised to smooth from top to bottom?

 

[D.Hearne]

Yea, the dumbells are smaller in diameter in their middles. Shell lifters are hollow cylinders, these use longer than stock pushrods.

 

[brin0357]

So dumbell ones are the ones I would probly end up with. Could I just drill holes in the plugs I have got in their now?

 

[D.Hearne]

No, remove the plugs, slip a restrictor down into the passages below the center passage that feeds them, then replace the plugs.

 

[brin0357]

Ohhh I gotcha. My other conrern is I am running roller rockers w/ arp studs which doint appear to be the "oiling type" so would this restrict flow as well? Sorry for all the questions.

 

[D.Hearne]

FE's get their top end oil supply via a single passage in the head per side. They also have shaft rockers, not individual studs. You can also restrict the oil supply to them by slipping a #90 Holley jet down into the head passage under the rocker stand. This will allow plenty of oil there and force more to the bottom end.

 

[brin0357]

FE's get their top end oil supply via a single passage in the head per side. They also have shaft rockers, not individual studs. You can also restrict the oil supply to them by slipping a #90 Holley jet down into the head passage under the rocker stand. This will allow plenty of oil there and force more to the bottom end.

Yeah what I meant with the studs was I have the arp studs and they arent the oiling style that usually goes in. You know the bolt that necks down for oiling. SO I figured that might restrict some flow. Ill check out the jet thing tho, I have heard about that aswell.

 

[D.Hearne]

I've also thought the same about replacing the necked down bolt to restrict the oil , but I've also heard that that's a bad idea. Better get a 2nd opinion. Seems like I asked that question to Dave Shoe on the FE big block forum on network54 and he told me not to. But it's been awhile.

 

[brin0357]

OK, thanks for all your help D. Hearne.

 

[PoliceInterceptor]

The arp/edelbrock studs have slightly smaller shanks than the threads, not as extreme as the factory bolt, but enough to cause no problems, roller rockers also generally don't require nearly as much oil as the standard set up to live.

Watch the washers on the stud kit; they hit most roller rockers, if your rockers came with washers use those...

Unless something has changed in the last year, dumbbells and shells are getting nearly impossible to find, you will probably get a lifter that looks just like a hydraulic lifter but isn't.

If you are not running dumbbells, you can get away without the restrictors, but they are still a good idea in case you lose a pushrod and the lifter sticks up or ends up laying in the valley.

Here are a couple of good articles:

http://www.doveengineparts.com/images/InsightsIntoTheFordFE.htm

http://www.gessford.com/projects/feoiling.htm

HTH

 

[brin0357]

Sweet thanks man. I actually think I have got a complete set of dumbell solids, if not I may be able to get some shells too. We shall see, thanks everyone.