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Hydraulic Roller Lifter Install Clearance

  • Thread starter Thread starter GT1966
  • Start date Start date Nov 8, 2012

GT1966

Member
Sep 26, 2002
69
2
9
Maine
Nov 8, 2012
#1
  • Nov 8, 2012
  • #1
OK, so I have an '87 roller motor in my '66 GT that was built with a flat tappet cam....don't ask why, I have no idea. Well, the flat tappet cam now has one lobe that's wiped-off. I want to go back to a roller cam that I spec'd through Comp Cams. Engine has World Products Windsor Jr. heads that I've been really happy with. The question: I know I will be changing out valve springs, but can I sneak the roller lifters into their bores without pulling the heads?....Looks pretty tight on the end cylinders just eyeballing it. If I have to pull the heads, then I'll just pull the motor and call it a winter project. If not, I'll just remove the shock tower supports and work on engine in the vehicle. Opinions welcome! Thanks for help on this. GT1966
 

mtaqua

Member
Oct 7, 2006
345
4
19
Nov 8, 2012
#2
  • Nov 8, 2012
  • #2
why not just pull the intake to change the lifters? Also, what about the metal in the engine from the cam lobe? Might want to tear it down anyways.
 

rbohm

Founding Member
Apr 12, 2002
6,698
550
204
tucson,az
Nov 8, 2012
#3
  • Nov 8, 2012
  • #3
as i recall, with stock heads swapping out the roller lifters is no problem with the heads in place.
 

PoppyMod

Member
Jun 27, 2010
617
6
19
Severna Park, MD
Nov 9, 2012
#4
  • Nov 9, 2012
  • #4
Hi,
I've gone through those iterations in lifter changes. But, as was mention, if you wiped a lobe, then by all means tear it down, thoroughly clean and re-build. No question!
As far as the roller's go, you can either go the spyder route or link bars. They both will work, the "links" are more expensive of the two. But the bigger story here is, again, tear it down, otherwise, you'll have no O/P if any now.
BTW, I ran those heads, as well. They help me make 348 RWHP at one point.
Have a nice winter!
 

Realmongo

I prefer to be called "Evil Genius"
Founding Member
Oct 10, 2001
2,468
86
99
Western Mass
Nov 10, 2012
#5
  • Nov 10, 2012
  • #5
rbohm said:
as i recall, with stock heads swapping out the roller lifters is no problem with the heads in place.
Click to expand...
Yes, you are correct. Starting with the E5AE heads, the heads were cast to allow clearance to replace the roller lifters.
 
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