BES Stroked Nova

iTrader: (24)

I have done a lot of research, and done many cam installs in GEN I small blocks, and everytime with new lifters. I am planning on doing a cam swap this winter in the M6 car i buy, or my 98 Z if i decide to keep it.

My questions come from, when i read about everyone doing cam installs, they never say anything about new lifters. I got into an argurement with my dad about it last night. He says that you have to have new lifters with the new car, or it will wear down the lobes. Is this true? does miles matter? if i buy an M6 car, its going to have less than 50K (i hope) my Z now has 117K.

What is the rule of thumb for new lifters(if there is one)??????

thanks

Charlie

2000blackz

i have done a few cam swaps in these cars and never had to replace the lifters. All still running strong. But u might get a 2nd opinion.

Turo

iTrader: (23)

I did my cam swap @ 50k miles and did not replace the lifters. The car now has 65k miles with no problems whatsoever.

conan

iTrader: (5)

If you put one in your car with 117k I would do the lifters. If you find a newer one, (50k) I wouldn't worry about it.

vettenuts

iTrader: (4)

I think your dad is thinking flat tappet lifters, which wear in with the cam and would require a change. Also, to get at the lifters in a Gen III engine requires the heads to be removed, on the engines he is thinking of they are under the intake and easily accessable during a cam change.

BES Stroked Nova

iTrader: (24)

yea, i think i would do lifter on my 117K mile car, but not on the 50k or less.

if i have to remove the heads, to hell with that. I guess i just need to get someone to buy my car, any takers 7500 for a really nice Z!!!

Charlie

PREDATOR-Z

Besides the miles, it also depends on the size of the cam.
As mentionned above, to access the lifters you need to remove the heads.
I always recommend changing lifters if above 50K miles and you're putting in a big cam.
stockers will operate with big cams but if the lifters are tired and the cam above .600, it is a hit or miss situation.
trust me that it is a lot cheaper to spend a few more $$ and change lifters than to do the job twice and maybe ruin your motor.
It is also a cheap and good idea to change the plastic lifter cups when changing lifters.