What are the different types of camshafts and lifters?
Types of Camshafts and Lifters. There are four types of lifter designs and matching camshafts currently available for the big-block Chevy: flat-tappet in either mechanical (fixed length) and hydraulic (self-adjusting), and roller lifters that have a roller bearing that follows the contours of the cam lobe, also in either mechanical or hydraulic.
Can a COMP Cams short travel lifter be used?
“A Comp Cams ‘Short Travel’ lifter has a smaller high pressure chamber, and can run either a more aggressive profile or higher RPM, and both paths have been used quite successfully. The only factor to consider if using that style lifter is that the preload needs to be set accurately.”
What kind of lifter does a Chevy have?
There are four types of lifter designs and matching camshafts currently available for the big-block Chevy: flat-tappet in either mechanical (fixed length) and hydraulic (self-adjusting), and roller lifters that have a roller bearing that follows the contours of the cam lobe, also in either mechanical or hydraulic.
What makes flat tappet cams and lifters special?
Another characteristic of flat-tappet cams and lifters is that once the engine is broken-in, the lifters and cam lobes have been mated to each other and the lifters must be returned to their original bores if the engine is taken apart and reassembled.
What’s the difference between hydraulic lifters and aftermarket lifters?
One of the key differences between stock production hydraulic lifters and aftermarket performance lifters is that the latter usually have tighter internal tolerances for better oil control. Many performance hydraulic lifters also have better valving that allows them to handle more RPMs than their stock counterparts.
Why are valve lifters still used in drag racing?
Even so, most hydraulic lifters can’t match the performance and reliability of solid lifters over 8,000 RPM. That’s why high revving engines in NASCAR, drag cars and circle track cars still use solid lifters.
Why do you need wheel on bottom of roller lifter?
Mounting a wheel on the bottom of the lifter also changes the dynamics between the lifter and cam. A roller lifter has to be held in fixed alignment with the cam so the wheel will roll smoothly on the lobe, so you don’t want the lifter to rotate or twist.
Why is lash adjustment important in valve lifters?
Lash adjustment is critical because too much clearance makes the valves noisy and reduces valve lift, duration and performance. Too little clearance can also create problems because it causes the valves to open sooner and close later, reducing heat dissipation through the valve seats when the valves are closed.