Lifters for 638 block
Lifters for 638 block I bought a 638 casting 350 (newer one piece oil seal) to replace an L98 block which unfortunately met an untimely death due to main bolt failure (never seen one break before, but this engine had two of them broken - argh). During the rebuild process, I purchased HL128 roller lifters for it as replacements. The problem I'm seeing with the engine all together and trying to prime the system is, the oil is pushing up past the lifters at the lifter bore. Did I get the wrong lifters? Looking on RockAuto.com, it shows the 91 Camaro as needing HL112. I don't really know if there's a huge difference or if purchasing these different ones will solve the issue. I know when trying to put rollers in a non-roller block, you have to get special ones which block the oil from peaking through past the sides of the lifters ... thing is, this is a roller block. I don't want to guess at this again, so looking for the correct lifters for the engine. The HL128's are supposed to be a fairly "universal" lifter in that it could used from 1985-2014 in most V8 engines, to include the LSx versions. I mean, if a set of LS7 lifters will do the job without leaking past, I'll just get a set and be done with it, but if the external body of them are the same spec as the HL128's, I need to go a different route. Please realize, this is a budget build. I don't plan on spinning this thing to the moon.
Last edited by Paulster2; Apr 7, 2019 at 03:46 PM.
I know it's been a while since you posted, but I'm using LS7 lifters in a 638 block with no issues at all. If I hadn't gone with those, I'd have dug up a set of 93-97 LT1 lifters. the ones you have and the LS7 are both spec'd at .842" body diameter. You may have something strange going on. The pushrods are in place when you're priming, right?
Last edited by Gojira94; Apr 22, 2019 at 03:19 PM.
And what's the origin story on the block? Pull a couple lifters on both sides and mic the bores for sanity's sake... maybe previous owner had it bored for larger diameter lifters.904 Mopar lifters have been used commonly but a difference of .062" would be almost obvious, visually.
