Why do solid lifter set-ups generate more HP?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,460
Likes: 5
From: Wheaton IL
Why do solid lifter set-ups generate more HP?
Yup, this is a newbie question.. I assume the valve "responsiveness" has something to do with when compared to hydraulic lifters. Also, are hydraulic and solid lifters interchangeable on small blocks assuming the camshaft is matched?
What are the drawbacks to solid lifters besides the valve lash adjustment? Doe they create camshaft lobe wear quicker?
Thanks
What are the drawbacks to solid lifters besides the valve lash adjustment? Doe they create camshaft lobe wear quicker?
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
Likes: 1,926
From: Washington Michigan
Re: Why do solid lifter set-ups generate more HP? (Allcoupedup)
Solid lifters are lighter (less valvetrain mass to accelerate and decelerate) and have constant clearance; hydraulics are heavier, and the clearance take-up mechanism becomes ineffective at very high rpm, causing "pump-up" and variable clearances. Either type of cam/lifters can be used as long as the components are matched (cam, lifters, springs, etc.) for the application.
The only real disadvantage of solid lifters is the occasional requirement for adjustment; most Chevy factory SB solid lifter cams use the same springs as the hydraulic cams, so wear isn't an issue. Really radical aftermarket solid cam profiles require much higher spring pressures and can cause wear problems (as can some radical aftermarket hydraulic cams and springs). Most factory cams and valvetrains are pretty much "set-and-forget" from a maintenance and reliability perspective, and many aftermarket setups are not - there's no "free lunch" :cheers:
The only real disadvantage of solid lifters is the occasional requirement for adjustment; most Chevy factory SB solid lifter cams use the same springs as the hydraulic cams, so wear isn't an issue. Really radical aftermarket solid cam profiles require much higher spring pressures and can cause wear problems (as can some radical aftermarket hydraulic cams and springs). Most factory cams and valvetrains are pretty much "set-and-forget" from a maintenance and reliability perspective, and many aftermarket setups are not - there's no "free lunch" :cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 3,025
Likes: 12
From: Pleasant Grove AL
Re: Why do solid lifter set-ups generate more HP? (Allcoupedup)
In days of yore, the conventional wisdom dictated that hydraulic lifters would float above 5500 RPM or so, and solids were necessary to get to max RPM ranges. Improvements have been made in hydraulic lifters, allowing RPM ranges much higher than I intend to wind a 40+year old rotating assy. As such, solids have lost whatever shine they may have held for me in past years. Some folks just like to hear the noise solid lifters make, or revel in telling everyone at the cruise in that they have solid lifters. The hydraulics are much easier to adjust, and require no maintenance. Just my 2 cents.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,077
Likes: 2
From: The Garden Spot of the Garden State
Re: Why do solid lifter set-ups generate more HP? (62fuelie)
...yup, the newer hydraulic cams are much better than the 60's, especially done as a roller - but, all other things being equal, you will rev higher with a solid lifter than a hydraulic version...plus, as was said, you gotta LOVE the clatter
Moderator
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 7,117
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From: Dove Mountain Arizona
Re: Why do solid lifter set-ups generate more HP? (Allcoupedup)
Been talking to MountainMotor over in the engine mod section and just ordered a solid lift cam from him. I too like the no maintenance issues of hyd lifters....but here's what he says. Solids are the only way to go, you order the next size larger solid than a hyd cam due to needing 10 more degrees at .050 to equal a hyd. So instead of say 230 dur with a hyd you buy a 240 dur solid cam. All things being equal (and they're not, apples and oranges you know) you get more for less, or the same as it were. So......less weight, accurate valve train repeatability, and more intense horsepower in the power band. All ya gots to do is check 'em once a year, takes a half hour. OK, I'm convinced. Hope this helps. :thumbs:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 9,556
Likes: 288
From: Granbury Texas
Re: Why do solid lifter set-ups generate more HP? (MasterDave)
OK, the way I read his question, the answer is "because of the equation Horsepower=(TorqueXRPM)/5252"
Because the solid lifters allow for a more stable valve train at higher revs, they allow the engine to safely rev higher. Assuming components are matched to take advantage of this phenomenon, horsepower is directly proportional to RPM, and therefore, the higher the engine revs, the more horsepower it will make.
[Modified by 63Corvette, 6:32 PM 12/6/2002]
Because the solid lifters allow for a more stable valve train at higher revs, they allow the engine to safely rev higher. Assuming components are matched to take advantage of this phenomenon, horsepower is directly proportional to RPM, and therefore, the higher the engine revs, the more horsepower it will make.
[Modified by 63Corvette, 6:32 PM 12/6/2002]
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Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
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From: Washington Michigan
Re: Why do solid lifter set-ups generate more HP? (63Corvette)
OK, the way I read his question, the answer is "because of the equation Horsepower=(TorqueXRPM)/5252"
Because the solid lifters allow for a more stable valve train at higher revs, they allow the engine to safely rev higher. Assuming components are matched to take advantage of this phenomenon, horsepower is directly proportional to RPM, and therefore, the higher the engine revs, the more horsepower it will make.
[Modified by 63Corvette, 6:32 PM 12/6/2002]
Because the solid lifters allow for a more stable valve train at higher revs, they allow the engine to safely rev higher. Assuming components are matched to take advantage of this phenomenon, horsepower is directly proportional to RPM, and therefore, the higher the engine revs, the more horsepower it will make.
[Modified by 63Corvette, 6:32 PM 12/6/2002]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 8,913
Likes: 283
Re: Why do solid lifter set-ups generate more HP? (Allcoupedup)
They don't have to click and clatter, I used Duke's and JohnZ's method of valve adjustment and the valve train sings as smooth as a hydraulic at idle.
Who make the LT-1 and the [30-30 (365hp)] cam? I heard once that Fedearl Mogul did. Does anyone have the part numbers? I am considering building a mule motor, and would need a cam.
Mark
Who make the LT-1 and the [30-30 (365hp)] cam? I heard once that Fedearl Mogul did. Does anyone have the part numbers? I am considering building a mule motor, and would need a cam.
Mark
