Is a solid lifter a solid lifter?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 38,307
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From: California
Two types of mechanical lifters were used in vintage Corvette engines. The first type is call "edge orifice" and was used with all small block mechanical lifter cams. Big blocks used a new type called "piddle valve". The edge orifice type are one piece and easy to ID. The piddle valve type are two piece retained with a snap ring and these are easy to confuse with hydraulic lifters. They effect a 20-30 percent increase in overhead oiling. Both are dimensionally and functionally interchangeable between small and big blocks.
The edge orifice type disappeared some time ago, so you have to use the piddle valve type in small blocks.
I believe there is only one or maybe two manufacturers of these lifters, and I'm not sure who they are. Federal Mogul sells them along with aftermarket cam companies and they may all come from the same manufacturer.
It's best to buy lifters from the manufacturer of the cam. In fact, most won't warranty the cam unless you buy lifters from them, too.
Duke
The edge orifice type disappeared some time ago, so you have to use the piddle valve type in small blocks.
I believe there is only one or maybe two manufacturers of these lifters, and I'm not sure who they are. Federal Mogul sells them along with aftermarket cam companies and they may all come from the same manufacturer.
It's best to buy lifters from the manufacturer of the cam. In fact, most won't warranty the cam unless you buy lifters from them, too.
Duke
Last edited by TCracingCA; Sep 10, 2020 at 08:37 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2016
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From: Olive branch Ms
Theres more truth here than you may know. I've seen more failed roller lifters and cores than I have flat tappets.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 38,307
Likes: 2,070
From: California
The spring pressures for roller lifters, is higher generally than old school. The EDM thought came about to help them survive. In most of the engines guys build, the piddle valves do fine with the traditional cam ranges for street performance. If you want killer, then you spend the money.
The key to what to buy, is to decide what you want to do with it, how you want to drive it. Most guys on here, have very nice running street cars, with slightly better than stock performance and reliability. There are many higher tune, solid lifter cars, and some guys start porting heads and run headers. Most have good old hydraulics.
The key to what to buy, is to decide what you want to do with it, how you want to drive it. Most guys on here, have very nice running street cars, with slightly better than stock performance and reliability. There are many higher tune, solid lifter cars, and some guys start porting heads and run headers. Most have good old hydraulics.
Last edited by TCracingCA; Sep 11, 2020 at 01:15 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Southwest MI
