TableLeg

Was wondering the following:

1, It seems that LS7 lifters are considered to be upgrades over other stock lifters.
What is it about these lifters that make them an upgrade over other lifters?

Is it always advisable to change the lifters with a new cam even if the old lifters do not appear to have any visible wear to the roller surface (does the wear occur internally?)

2, I also see a lot of time people suggest changing the lifter trays as well.
Why is this? Are the trays different for the LS7 lifters?

Thanks in advance.

wildcamaro

iTrader: (15)

Ls7 lifters are just the replacement lifters since they don't offer ls1 lifters any more...
They are an updated design but basically same thing.

That being said I reused my stock 60k mile lifters when I did my cam swap and it fine, but next time I pull the heads ill be upgrading to morel or Johnson lifters which are def an upgrade over stock pieces..

Ls2 lifter trays are an upgrade an help prevent the lifter from twisting in the tray, again I reused my stock ones with no issues...good luck bro

td1168

iTrader: (2)

The bottom of the ls7 lifter is a little different design than the ls1. I don't have pics but the ls7 is a stronger lifter than the ls1 and is considered an upgrade. As far as trays if you have over 50k miles its recommended to replace them. As they wear there becomes more of a possibility to let a lifter turn and wreck your cam. I used the ls1 trays with ls7 lifters. You can buy them brand new gm for about 40 bucks. The gm ls7 lifters are around 150 bucks. If you have the heads off I would just replace them both.

TableLeg

Thanks guys for the replies

Apocolipse

iTrader: (1)

Those linked lifters sure are pricey....

I would just go with stock replacement too

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

The lifter trays are plastic, and they hold the lifter straight. If the lifter turns it would wipe a cam lobe quickly and cause a complete tear down. So replacing trays is cheap insurance.

TableLeg

Thanks for the replies.

Rise of the Phoenix

iTrader: (27)

I reused my stock lifters on my build, but did upgrade to the LS2 trays. Been going stong ever since.

TableLeg

Thanks again for the reply

TableLeg

I have been to find whether my lifters and trays are LS1 type or LS2 type.

The lifters have enclosed rollers and my trays have the number 12569259.

My 5.3 is a 2006 engine.

Anybody know?

2000PewterT/A

I always replace the lifters and trays, if your already spending all the money to do a cam swap why put used **** back in. To me its more of a piece of mind thing, but I'd hate for a used lifter to fail right after I put a new cam in.

RezinTexas

a 2006 engine will already have the LS2 style lifter trays. I would just re-use them. That's what I did on my 2004 motor.

I would still do new lifters with a cam swap, however.

chevybayboy

iTrader: (6)

I didn't replace my lifter trays on my 98 with can swap and it costed me $1200 in damages, there only Luke $7 each just replace them gives you that piece of mind knowing there not going to crack on you

Cstraub

iTrader: (1)

Reasons
Tool Steel Body
Tool Steel roller and axle, OEM is 1010.
OEM cam designed for .700" Wheel, Aftermarket lobes designed using .750" Wheel
All Morel lifters are QC and leak tested. Most batch test.
Morel are 100% made in OHIO

Pricy but I have NEVER had a customer call me and said I wish I hadnt gone with the Morels.

Rise of the Phoenix

iTrader: (27)

If you inspect the lifters and they look ok, I don't see anything wrong with re-using them. Mine had less than 45k on them and they looked perfect. If you don't want lifter failure, then make sure you use good oil. Too many lifter failures are due to using the wrong oil in my opinion.

ls6jay

Morel link bars lifters here. Not trusting plastic trays.

ckpitt55

iTrader: (4)

morel or johnson link bars. both american made, both very high quality.

same as above, not trusting a piece of plastic to keep me from wiping out a cam.

Apocolipse

iTrader: (1)

Fair enough! Looks like I will order some then. You convinced me

65ChevyIINova

If they look good and you aren't running super high RPM/power then reuse them. If they are worn then ditch em.

Cstraub

iTrader: (1)

Just a note, Morel has .700" wheel and .750" wheel lifters. The reason we put large lifter in engines these days is to get large wheels. Aggressive cams need larger wheels.