5 Liter Eater

iTrader: (5)

So I went to put my Morels into my LSX block last night. Heads were already on, because you can put the lifters in through the windows right? Wrong! They don't fit. I tried for a good while, not happening. WTF? So the heads have to come off and I've effectively lost the ability to change lifters without taking the heads off. The only way I can is to use a non link bar lifter with the LSX trays that came with the block but I've not heard of anyone using them so I'm leery to. Anyone run them on a ~1000 RWHP build?

dw456post

I don't think you can even get the non link bar lifters in with the heads on. My windows are just over 7/16" in a trick flow head. Your windows might be bigger?

1sick_eg

I thought all LS motors had to have the heads removed to swap lifters. I haven't used an LSX block so I can't say for sure, but I don't see why it would really be any different. I'm using trays and morel drop ins at 550whp. While it's not 1000whp, I have no issues revving to 7200rpm....minus my intake manifold.

5 Liter Eater

iTrader: (5)

The LSX block has windows in it to be able to get to the lifters without removing the heads. A non-link bar lifter will fit in there but (apparently) not a link bar. It uses a different type of lifter retainer than the stock blocks and I can't say I've heard of anyone using the LSX lifter retainers so I don't want to be the first to try it.

5 Liter Eater

iTrader: (5)

LSX lifter retainer VS: Stock.



Windows in LSX:

1sick_eg

Good to know. It's ashame you can't get a link bar in there. Call Kip @ Cam Motion or Martin @ Tick performance. They can probably get you steered in the right direction....or you can pull the heads. I know that feeling though. I had to do some work on my heads in the car after the fact. I probably made it harder on myself, but I was determined not to pull them.

1sick_eg

Clearly much different. I don't see what the issue would be either way however. As long as it's holding the lifter in place, then it shouldn't be an issue with the right lifter.

Don't forget about Brian Tooley as well. He knows quite a bit about those lifters.

dw456post

Oh, Those windows!! I was thinking about the pushrod holes in the head---never saw a LSX block.
Thanks for the pics

dw456post

I have link bars in mine but don't remember how the link is attached. Is there a way to make the link bar removable?

5 Liter Eater

iTrader: (5)

No, on all the ones I've seen the bar is rivet'ed on.

blk00ss

iTrader: (66)

What's real fun is torquing the head studs that hang into that window lol.

But yeah, if you have link bar lifters you gotta pull heads still. Just part of it.

SHovV

iTrader: (1)

I always thought the only reason for the windows was the inner "6th bolt" access. Either way, I don't see it being possible to slide link bar lifters in through the windows.

MrEracer

iTrader: (3)

I have a late LSX tall deck block and I have installed Crower link bar lifters through the windows. Takes a little effort to find the trick. I have also run LS hydraulic lifters in LSX blocks using the LSX retainers. They work fine, no problem. If you take the block down you can grind the windows to make it easier. Not something I would do with an assembled block.
Shirl Dickey
SD Racing Engines

blk00ss

iTrader: (66)

I would imagine the tall deck has a larger lifter window, vertically?

KCS

iTrader: (20)

The LSX trays are pretty common actually, especially in the older blocks. IIRC the older LSX block designs wouldn't allow the use of a link bar setup right out of the box because the tie bar would bottom out on the threaded boss where the tray is bolted. Not sure if that's been changed in the newer blocks or not. The last one I built used the plastic trays and it's a twin turbo car.

blk00ss

iTrader: (66)

I'm running link bar morels in my block. It's a later production one.

CAMSTER

iTrader: (10)

This is rite the window is for 6th head bolt access.

5 Liter Eater

iTrader: (5)

Well I yanked the heads to install my Morels. I had thought it was possible to do through the windows because it is in an ERL but the ERL has windows side to side so you have more room to jockey the lifters around. Good to know that others have run the LSX retainers though for future reference.