Lifter/Pushrod help
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Lifter/Pushrod help So I've been looking into the summit stage 3 turbo cam. #8716 Was wondering if I'd be able to use stock pushrods and lifters with this cam?? Will probably do pac1218 springs and a trunnion upgrade for the rockers since that seems to be a good investment for these engines. It's for a 4.8 on stock 706 heads. Will probably do ls9 gaskets since they're supposed to be the best. Would the stock lifters and pushrods still be okay with that cam or would I have to upgrade? Say maybe would like to get 650-700 to the wheels with boost....
TECH Addict
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 2,181
Likes: 970
Stock lifters, probably.
Stock push rods, I sure wouldn't.
1218 doesn't appear to be enough spring for that cam. Not really a good idea to use every last .001" that a spring can give; not least because, doing that requires the setup (installed height specifically) to be PERFECT to within the last .001". Not bloody likely.
Stock push rods, I sure wouldn't.
1218 doesn't appear to be enough spring for that cam. Not really a good idea to use every last .001" that a spring can give; not least because, doing that requires the setup (installed height specifically) to be PERFECT to within the last .001". Not bloody likely.
So I've been looking into the summit stage 3 turbo cam. #8716 Was wondering if I'd be able to use stock pushrods and lifters with this cam?? Will probably do pac1218 springs and a trunnion upgrade for the rockers since that seems to be a good investment for these engines. It's for a 4.8 on stock 706 heads. Will probably do ls9 gaskets since they're supposed to be the best. Would the stock lifters and pushrods still be okay with that cam or would I have to upgrade? Say maybe would like to get 650-700 to the wheels with boost....
Do yourself a favor and choose a dual spring. The idea that a single beehive could break and the damage would be catastrophic. If one of the springs break on the dual, at least you will have some spring there to assist and perhaps minimal damage. I've always had good luck with the TSP duals. Really the TSP cam kit is a great kit because it comes with all the parts you would need for a cam that large. 231/234 .600/.575 115. Then you will just have to find lifters. I chose the Thompson Motorsport Lifters. Good luck, let us know if you have any other questions. Sponsors on the website can be very helpful as well if you give them a call.
LS1Tech Sponsor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,233
Likes: 1,523
From: Ohio, Georgia, Nevada, Texas
OP, Thanks for your interest in the Pro LS Turbo stage 3 SUM-8716. It's a great choice that will provide a nice lopey idle with a great mid-range and top-end.
Stock pushrods wouldn't be able to be used with this cam. For pushrods, we typically find a 7.425" will work at this lift. At a minimum, we would recommend a quality Chromoly 5/16" with a .080" wall. You can usually find those for around $100 or less. From there you could get into a thicker wall 5/16" or step up to one of our HDR 11/32" .120" wall pushrods. As always, pushrod length should be checked before purchasing pushrods.
We wouldn't recommend re-using stock lifters. Some tried and true LS7 lifters would work well. Or something like the previously mentioned Johnson's or Morel's.
As for the springs. PAC 1218's beehives will work well with this cam and they'll work with your stock retainers and locks. We're confident in our smooth lobe design that the PAC/Trickflow TFS-16918-16 will keep the valvetrain stable at high rpm. If your one that prefers added insurance, not a problem. We have dual spring-packs to keep the valvetrain extra happy. We have the Trickflow TFS-2500286P with steel retainers or TFS-2500287P with Titanium retainers.
Stock pushrods wouldn't be able to be used with this cam. For pushrods, we typically find a 7.425" will work at this lift. At a minimum, we would recommend a quality Chromoly 5/16" with a .080" wall. You can usually find those for around $100 or less. From there you could get into a thicker wall 5/16" or step up to one of our HDR 11/32" .120" wall pushrods. As always, pushrod length should be checked before purchasing pushrods.
We wouldn't recommend re-using stock lifters. Some tried and true LS7 lifters would work well. Or something like the previously mentioned Johnson's or Morel's.
As for the springs. PAC 1218's beehives will work well with this cam and they'll work with your stock retainers and locks. We're confident in our smooth lobe design that the PAC/Trickflow TFS-16918-16 will keep the valvetrain stable at high rpm. If your one that prefers added insurance, not a problem. We have dual spring-packs to keep the valvetrain extra happy. We have the Trickflow TFS-2500286P with steel retainers or TFS-2500287P with Titanium retainers.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Would like to keep it as budget friendly as possible if I can but out of curiosity does anyone know how the cam kit is for the 8716? I came across that while I was looking at just the cam and wondered if it might be worth it....
Trending Topics
Not the whole kit but I have a Summit cam with their brand recommended spring kit. It's a double spring no taper to it.
They also said that they see 7.425 a common pushrod size that gets .040 to .080 (IIRC) preload on LS7 lifters.
I ended up with 7.400 comp pushrods and .086 preload. So I did waste some money on some BTR pushrods I bought. On the other hand if you buy from summit you can return them. I'd definitely measure to get preload right.
If you do change the lifters be aware that Johnson lifters are not the same as Hylift Johnson. IMO I'd get a performance lifter, which I consider something above the LS7's.
I really, really do not understand why people put money in a turbo build and skip a **** part like a lifter. I'm assuming you're going to have the heads off since you ask about head gaskets, you're staring right at the lifters. You're committed to using what you put there.
They also said that they see 7.425 a common pushrod size that gets .040 to .080 (IIRC) preload on LS7 lifters.
I ended up with 7.400 comp pushrods and .086 preload. So I did waste some money on some BTR pushrods I bought. On the other hand if you buy from summit you can return them. I'd definitely measure to get preload right.
If you do change the lifters be aware that Johnson lifters are not the same as Hylift Johnson. IMO I'd get a performance lifter, which I consider something above the LS7's.
I really, really do not understand why people put money in a turbo build and skip a **** part like a lifter. I'm assuming you're going to have the heads off since you ask about head gaskets, you're staring right at the lifters. You're committed to using what you put there.
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die
Verdad Gallardo LS1Tech Sponsor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,233
Likes: 1,523
From: Ohio, Georgia, Nevada, Texas
OP,
The best thing to do for pushrods is to measure first as we previously mentioned. We have the Trickflow TFS-9501 pushrod length checking tool to help you find the correct length.
As for LS7 lifters. To give you an idea of how our customers feel about them check out the 50+ 5 star reviews on the SUM-HTLSKIT. These have a higher grade lifter than what can normally be found. This kit has been superseded to SUM-HTLSKIT1. The same quality and value can be expected with the new number, its just a packaging change.
If you're looking for the cam in a kit we'd recommend the SUM-8716-2-DLSTL. This comes with the cam, dual spring pack with steel retainers, and a cam install kit. The kits and packages we put together are designed to complement each other.
The best thing to do for pushrods is to measure first as we previously mentioned. We have the Trickflow TFS-9501 pushrod length checking tool to help you find the correct length.
As for LS7 lifters. To give you an idea of how our customers feel about them check out the 50+ 5 star reviews on the SUM-HTLSKIT. These have a higher grade lifter than what can normally be found. This kit has been superseded to SUM-HTLSKIT1. The same quality and value can be expected with the new number, its just a packaging change.
If you're looking for the cam in a kit we'd recommend the SUM-8716-2-DLSTL. This comes with the cam, dual spring pack with steel retainers, and a cam install kit. The kits and packages we put together are designed to complement each other.
As for LS7 lifters. To give you an idea of how our customers feel about them check out the 50+ 5 star reviews on the SUM-HTLSKIT. These have a higher grade lifter than what can normally be found. This kit has been superseded to SUM-HTLSKIT1. The same quality and value can be expected with the new number, its just a packaging change.
What would the reason be for recommending the GM LS7 lifters?
I am running a btr stage 4 truck cam in my 2000 Silverado 5.3 and was told to upgrade to ls7 lifters
Was wondering if this is the part I was looking for or would you recommend something else
Thanks in advance Asked by JAIME on July 30, 2019
A:Thank you for your question. The Summit HTLSKIT lifters include the stock type lifters. You can use the guides in this kit and order the GM 12499225 LS7 lifters. 
Summit Racing Answer - July 30, 2019
I am running a btr stage 4 truck cam in my 2000 Silverado 5.3 and was told to upgrade to ls7 lifters
Was wondering if this is the part I was looking for or would you recommend something else
Thanks in advance Asked by JAIME on July 30, 2019
A:Thank you for your question. The Summit HTLSKIT lifters include the stock type lifters. You can use the guides in this kit and order the GM 12499225 LS7 lifters. Summit Racing Answer - July 30, 2019
Was wondering if this is the part I was looking for or would you recommend something else
Thanks in advance Asked by JAIME on July 30, 2019
A:Thank you for your question. The Summit HTLSKIT lifters include the stock type lifters. You can use the guides in this kit and order the GM 12499225 LS7 lifters.
Summit Racing Answer - July 30, 2019
Now, why would they say they are a stock type lifter and not an LS7 lifter? Why would they recommend a GM LS7 lifter? This is my point. This makes no sense and the Summit person on here avoided my question.
What I posted above is a question and answer right from where summit said look at their reviews on their LS7 lifters. The Summit person who answered that question said that they were a stock type lifter, as you can see, and gave them a part number for a GM LS7 lifter to use instead.
Now, why would they say they are a stock type lifter and not an LS7 lifter? Why would they recommend a GM LS7 lifter? This is my point. This makes no sense and the Summit person on here avoided my question.
Now, why would they say they are a stock type lifter and not an LS7 lifter? Why would they recommend a GM LS7 lifter? This is my point. This makes no sense and the Summit person on here avoided my question.
Ok the question, and my point remains the same.
If Summit comes on here and says Look at our reviews and see how good our LS7 lifters are, then why the hell are they suggesting that this guy NOT use their lifter BUT INSTEAD use the GM LS7 lifters.........
I get it. I do. LS7 lifters are made in bulk and sent to Summit, GM, Everyone, even the people on ebay selling sets for $70. All the same lifter.
If Summit comes on here and says Look at our reviews and see how good our LS7 lifters are, then why the hell are they suggesting that this guy NOT use their lifter BUT INSTEAD use the GM LS7 lifters.........
I get it. I do. LS7 lifters are made in bulk and sent to Summit, GM, Everyone, even the people on ebay selling sets for $70. All the same lifter.
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 22,293
Likes: 3,617
From: Central Cal.
Ok the question, and my point remains the same.
If Summit comes on here and says Look at our reviews and see how good our LS7 lifters are, then why the hell are they suggesting that this guy NOT use their lifter BUT INSTEAD use the GM LS7 lifters.........
I get it. I do. LS7 lifters are made in bulk and sent to Summit, GM, Everyone, even the people on ebay selling sets for $70. All the same lifter.
If Summit comes on here and says Look at our reviews and see how good our LS7 lifters are, then why the hell are they suggesting that this guy NOT use their lifter BUT INSTEAD use the GM LS7 lifters.........
I get it. I do. LS7 lifters are made in bulk and sent to Summit, GM, Everyone, even the people on ebay selling sets for $70. All the same lifter.
I copied and pasted a question someone asked with an answer that summit provided.
Summit In this thread said check out our 55+ positive reviews on our LS7 lifters.
I clicked the link found their suggestion to use GM LS7 lifters.
Well, why?
If they had answered the guys question with a YES that would mean "use our lifters" Again, they said use GM lifters. (not Summit lifters)
I'm rephrasing my point a few times.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,758
Likes: 442
I'm referring to the lifters in the link they provided right here in this thread.
I copied and pasted a question someone asked with an answer that summit provided.
Summit In this thread said check out our 55+ positive reviews on our LS7 lifters.
I clicked the link found their suggestion to use GM LS7 lifters.
Well, why?
If they had answered the guys question with a YES that would mean "use our lifters" Again, they said use GM lifters. (not Summit lifters)
I'm rephrasing my point a few times.
I copied and pasted a question someone asked with an answer that summit provided.
Summit In this thread said check out our 55+ positive reviews on our LS7 lifters.
I clicked the link found their suggestion to use GM LS7 lifters.
Well, why?
If they had answered the guys question with a YES that would mean "use our lifters" Again, they said use GM lifters. (not Summit lifters)
I'm rephrasing my point a few times.
