Verify LS7 lifters?
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 56
Likes: 18
Verify LS7 lifters?
As I get things together for my mild NA build (just waiting on heads at TSP for several weeks) I am looking for anything I come across on forums to save a buck or two if it makes sense. These lifters popped up earlier and wondering if there’s any way to verify one way or another that they’re legit GM not Delphi? Thanks!
https://ls1tech.com/forums/market/1972060
https://ls1tech.com/forums/market/1972060
Pro
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 660
Likes: 302
From: Nova Scotia Canada
IMHO it's not worth the risk. That's really cheap too which is concerning. Valve train (especially lifters) is NOT a good place to save money with the uncomfortable numbers of owners reporting lifter failures. What's worse is if you do have an issue the heads have to come off to change out lifters.
Perhaps consider contacting Brian Tooley Racing for recommendations best suited for your build and budget.
Best of luck to you Sir.
Perhaps consider contacting Brian Tooley Racing for recommendations best suited for your build and budget.
Best of luck to you Sir.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 118
Likes: 39
From: US
I was in the same process a few months ago. After comparing most of the lifters out there, I actually went with the Johnson 2110R lifters based on recommendations from both my tuner and forum members on here. I'd save up for ones that are of a little higher quality.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,859
Likes: 4,656
Has anyone actually verified that the Delphi and GM lifters are actually different parts? Even if part numbers are different, it means little. Since GM owned, and then spun off Delphi, I think they may be one and the same. There really aren't that many companies that make, or are capable of manufacturing, hydraulic valve lifters. Unless actual data, and proof exists showing they are indeed different internally, I'll bet GM buys them from Delphi, and slaps a different part# and price on them. When you really look in depth at GM, they actually manufacture very little anymore. Most all of their cars parts are outsourced......
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 757
Likes: 365
With counterfeit parts being out of control I’ll tell you what I did. For a lower cost LS7 lifter I bought the summit racing branded ones. They have two version I bought what the ones they consider HD. Part # SUM-HT217-16
The Pro LS stuff they sell has a great track record and coming from one source it’s a know quality.
The Pro LS stuff they sell has a great track record and coming from one source it’s a know quality.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 757
Likes: 365
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 883
Likes: 971
From: NW Burbs of Chi-Town
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
With counterfeit parts being out of control I’ll tell you what I did. For a lower cost LS7 lifter I bought the summit racing branded ones. They have two version I bought what the ones they consider HD. Part # SUM-HT217-16
The Pro LS stuff they sell has a great track record and coming from one source it’s a know quality.
The Pro LS stuff they sell has a great track record and coming from one source it’s a know quality.
I did buy a Summit brand LS2 timing chain and a std pressure/volume oil pump (Melling casting number) when I did the cam swap last spring. 6500 miles on those parts so far and no problems. I also bought all Summit specialty tools to get the balancer off and on plus rocker tools. Quality stuff.
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Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 622
Likes: 169
From: Montgomery Texas
Says right in the description on the web site SUM-HT217-16 are Morel made in the USA lifters. Knowing what I know now I would have went with those lifters last spring when I did my cam swap. I paid $400 for the GM performance12499225 from TSP when I was ordering my cam kit. I could have saved $200 with the Morel/Summit offering.
I did buy a Summit brand LS2 timing chain and a std pressure/volume oil pump (Melling casting number) when I did the cam swap last spring. 6500 miles on those parts so far and no problems. I also bought all Summit specialty tools to get the balancer off and on plus rocker tools. Quality stuff.
I did buy a Summit brand LS2 timing chain and a std pressure/volume oil pump (Melling casting number) when I did the cam swap last spring. 6500 miles on those parts so far and no problems. I also bought all Summit specialty tools to get the balancer off and on plus rocker tools. Quality stuff.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 883
Likes: 971
From: NW Burbs of Chi-Town
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...ockoffs-4.html
Edit:
Be aware, Morel makes many different types of lifters. If you are winging your LS to 7k plus and high spring pressures these lifters (or any LS7) may not be a wise choice.
This is the reason I went with a low lift cam and single springs. My engine starts losing steam around 6k which is perfect for what I do with my car and my application.
Higher rpm's and higher spring pressures require different parts combinations. Check out this list from Morel:
https://johncalliesinc.com/pdf/Types...%20Lifters.pdf
Last edited by Prop Joe; Feb 8, 2024 at 07:49 AM. Reason: Added info from Morel