SSDriver

iTrader: (2)

I have noticed that almost everyone who changes their cam just changes their springs, retainers, timing chain, and pushrods. I would think that everyone would change their lifters as well. Correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't the lifter wear and some what form it self to your cam. If this is true wouldn't this in change wear your cam lobe's faster. I don't know every time I have changed a cam, I was taught to change lifters as well. I am not trying to be a smart ***, I just want to know WHY. Thanks for your time and help in advanced.

EDIT: Or do a lot of people just leave them in to save some $$ and the hassle of taking off the intake?

<small>[ October 11, 2002, 01:09 AM: Message edited by: SSDriver ]</small>

TApimp

iTrader: (1)

ls1's have roller lifters, so i dont think that the cam could wear into that at all, plus they cost hella money.

1dirtyZ

iTrader: (1)

it's mostly cause you have to take the head off to get to the lifters.

SSDriver

iTrader: (2)

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by 1dirtyZ:
<strong>it's mostly cause you have to take the head off to get to the lifters.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">You don't need to take the heads off to get to the lifters, just the intake.

<small>[ October 11, 2002, 02:13 AM: Message edited by: SSDriver ]</small>

LS171Malibu

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">[/QB]Originally posted by SSDriver:
You don't need to take the heads off to get to the lifters, just the intake.[/QB]</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">SSDriver, On all Gen 3 GM engines including the LS1, it is necessary to remove both heads to gain access to the lifters. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />

SSDriver

iTrader: (2)

I'm sorry I was thinking of normal small block chevys. Thanks for informing me I really appreciate it.

StevieZ

iTrader: (3)

I changed mine when I had the heads done. Everything else was new and the last thing you want is to break down because of the only old parts left in the top end!

Old SStroker

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by SSDriver:
<strong>I have noticed that almost everyone who changes their cam just changes their springs, retainers, timing chain, and pushrods. I would think that everyone would change their lifters as well. Correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't the lifter wear and some what form it self to your cam. If this is true wouldn't this in change wear your cam lobe's faster. I don't know every time I have changed a cam, I was taught to change lifters as well. I am not trying to be a smart ***, I just want to know WHY. Thanks for your time and help in advanced.

EDIT: Or do a lot of people just leave them in to save some $$ and the hassle of taking off the intake?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">You should change flat lifters when you change cams...absolutely, and for the reason you said. Generally roller lifters don't have a problem because they roll, not slide, and rarely show wear.

Interestingly, GM service manual advises changing LS1 lifters if the cam is replaced. Hmmm.

FWIW, for a VERY low-buck rebuild of a flat lifter engine, it is possible to recondition the faces of flat lifters say when installing a $50 cam, but why bother; low-end flat lifters are a couple bucks each. No so for rollers!

Brownie

I had seriously considered it. But I was told by a few of our sponsors that it was not necessary. I had 23,000 miles on mine at the time of the heads/cam swap.

When I do the short block I will look into new lifters (either stock or comp-r).

Mike

LS1derfull

Roller lifters can slide/chatter across lobes instead of rolling clean, this is a controversial point in deciding what type of oil to use, syn. or conventional. But my strong advice is whenever pulling heads, the lifter guides should be replaced so the proper fit between lifter and guide is maintained. This is important for cam swaps when leaving heads on, and valvetrain reliability with more aggressive cams and hi rpm control. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />