Generation IV Internal Engine 2005-2014 LS2 | LS3 | LS7 | L92 | LS9

Which lifters?

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Old Aug 29, 2012 | 12:30 AM
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Default Which lifters?

So I'm about to do my head cam swap on a 2005 GTO ls2 and I started thinking about lifters. Originally I was going to use stock lifters, but I've been thinking it would be good insurance to change them. I'm using LS3 heads with a 226/234 .598/.612 cam with 7.400" pushrods and heads milled .024". I'm planning on revving the motor to 7000rpm, shift point is at 6700rpm.

I heard that the ls7 lifters are the exact same as the ls2, and there have been mixed reviews about problems with them.

I had the cts-vR racing lifters recommended, but I read a few threads where they had problems, but the threads were from 2008.

Lamar Walden machinist told me that they have had problems with the comp lifters(who recommended the CTS race)

What lifters do you guys recommend that won't have problems? I already have the pushrods so it needs to work with the factory pushrods basically.

I did a good bit of reading but it was inconclusive.

Thanks,

Ryan
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Old Aug 29, 2012 | 02:18 AM
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Melling stock replacements or Morel link-bars.
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Old Aug 29, 2012 | 09:26 AM
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Originally Posted by derotoredFD
So I'm about to do my head cam swap on a 2005 GTO ls2 and I started thinking about lifters. Originally I was going to use stock lifters, but I've been thinking it would be good insurance to change them. I'm using LS3 heads with a 226/234 .598/.612 cam with 7.400" pushrods and heads milled .024". I'm planning on revving the motor to 7000rpm, shift point is at 6700rpm.

I heard that the ls7 lifters are the exact same as the ls2, and there have been mixed reviews about problems with them.

I had the cts-vR racing lifters recommended, but I read a few threads where they had problems, but the threads were from 2008.

Lamar Walden machinist told me that they have had problems with the comp lifters(who recommended the CTS race)

What lifters do you guys recommend that won't have problems? I already have the pushrods so it needs to work with the factory pushrods basically.

I did a good bit of reading but it was inconclusive.

Thanks,

Ryan
I can cut you a good deal on the Morel Racing I am selling if you are interested in some top Lifters, let me know:

https://ls1tech.com/forums/parts-cla...rect-drop.html

Christian
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Old Aug 29, 2012 | 09:41 AM
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Lunati link-bar lifters is what I plan to use. I've been hearing about too many stock and LS7 lifter failures lately.
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Old Aug 29, 2012 | 10:17 AM
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Originally Posted by batboy
Lunati link-bar lifters is what I plan to use. I've been hearing about too many stock and LS7 lifter failures lately.
Smart man right there
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Old Aug 29, 2012 | 11:46 AM
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I have Lunati street link bar lifters with LS3 top end on a LS2 with a 230-236 629' 629' and no problem after 3k miles so far...

I read too many stories about LS7 lifters failing..
New Era has great price ----->
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Old Aug 29, 2012 | 01:59 PM
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Morel bucket type for the cam your going to run FTW. isky reboxes Morel FWIW.

Link type for higher lift cams.
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Old Aug 29, 2012 | 04:32 PM
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Morels / Lunati = same.
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Old Aug 29, 2012 | 04:43 PM
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Originally Posted by litle88
Morels / Lunati = same.
Yuppers...
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Old Aug 29, 2012 | 04:55 PM
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Originally Posted by litle88
Morels / Lunati = same.
Isn't Morel building for Lunati...or Lunati selling rebadged Morel's?


Christian
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Old Aug 29, 2012 | 07:47 PM
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Originally Posted by derotoredFD
What lifters do you guys recommend that won't have problems? I already have the pushrods so it needs to work with the factory pushrods basically.
I use stock Sealed Power lifters that are just like the LS7 lifters as they are the change up design. The key is to use a performance type oil when seeing higher spring pressures, faster lobes and higher RPMs. And yes, seen many lifter/cam failures due to using engine oils designed for "new cars" (cat warranty).

A customer has a 2010 LS3 Camaro M6 trans with the Comp LSR 227/243 cam. The new LSL lobe is very quiet compared to an XER type lobe. And barely any low RPM/Load surge.

Russ Kemp
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Old Aug 29, 2012 | 08:44 PM
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Anyone here ever used the Clevite lifter or had any experience with them? I know a major engine builder that uses them but haven't heard anything at all about them
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Old Aug 30, 2012 | 12:02 AM
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ok so it looks like the consensus is I should use Lunati or Morel lifters. Since my cam only has .612 lift should I use the link-bar or drop in setup made to work with the trays? Once again revving to 7k rpm and have patriot dual gold .650 lift springs.

My budget was $350 for lifters, and it looks like the Lunati's are around 700. I found the morels but which one should I get? Thundar racing has them from 400-900. Whats the cheapest way to get the best lifter? I know morel and lunati are basically the same thing. Are those ISKY lifters also morel. Which are cheapest and where.

Also do all these lifters work with stock size pushrods? My pushrods were ordered when I was still going with stock lifters.

Sorry for all the questions, I'm definitely still a noob. Thanks for the help!
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Old Aug 30, 2012 | 12:36 AM
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Link bars are added security. You do not want to drop a lifter at 7k into the bottom end of a motor.

As far as lifter recommendation Morel lifters are made in the USA - you cannot go wrong there. Morel does manufacture for Lunati (who also uses PBM), Isky, Comp, Crane, and a load of others. Alot of times certain companies will make their own internals and Morel will sell the bodies as a supplier to the retailer and the retailer to the customer. I know Comp-cams and Crane are two that are said to be this way.

Isky or Comp are my two personal favorites. Lunati's get alot of mention but i have ran them in an LSx platform so i cannot vouch.
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Old Aug 30, 2012 | 06:50 AM
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Old Aug 30, 2012 | 07:16 AM
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I am using the street link bar lunati.

Shift point is 7500 no issues at all. I would go with link bars for oil drain back

Tim
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Old Aug 30, 2012 | 07:34 AM
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Originally Posted by SS10Tech
Link bars are added security. You do not want to drop a lifter at 7k into the bottom end of a motor.
How exactly does a lifter find its way into "the bottom end of a motor" when the plastic tray fails? Is there even a single example of this actually happening?

I agree w/ the notion that link-bar > plastic tray, but let's not invent failure modes. The tray fails, the lifter rotates in the bore and chews up the cam lobe as well as itself.
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Old Aug 30, 2012 | 07:59 AM
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Originally Posted by crainholio
How exactly does a lifter find its way into "the bottom end of a motor" when the plastic tray fails? Is there even a single example of this actually happening?

I agree w/ the notion that link-bar > plastic tray, but let's not invent failure modes. The tray fails, the lifter rotates in the bore and chews up the cam lobe as well as itself.
I was using the general notion that not all motors or applications have plastic catch trays or someone took enough time to build a catch screen. I have also seen rollers come apart from lifters, and of course needle bearings that are made from tooled steel can cause additional problems and complications. Cam lobes love to drive them into blocks like a hot knife in butter.

Link bars have always been an added notion of security IMHO - individual applications vary. Simply words of advice - nothing more nothing less
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Old Aug 30, 2012 | 10:15 AM
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Originally Posted by SS10Tech
...and of course needle bearings that are made from tooled steel

"tooled steel"
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Old Aug 30, 2012 | 01:01 PM
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Lunati Street Performance Roller Lifters are currently on sale for $328 at Hinson Super Cars.
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