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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lifter?
Simply put, the main function of the lifter in
an OHC engine is to adjust the valve lash. In these sport compact
engines, the lifter usually acts as a pivot point for the rocker arm (if
equipped) or a seat for the cam lobe to push on (if no rocker arms).
What is the difference between a hydraulic
and a solid lifter?
For any particular application, the hydraulic
and solid lifters should look about the same from the outside. A solid
lifter's point of contact with the rocker arm/cam lobe is fixed at a certain
point using either shims or an adjustable locking mechanism. The
hydraulic lifter, on the other hand, constantly moves this point of contact
using valving and/or a spring to produce an upward force, and thus is
usually referred to as "self-adjusting".
Hydraulic lifters have been used by OEM's for
many years for a few reasons. When compared to a solid lifter,
hydraulics are quieter, lower in maintenance, and easier on the valvetrain.
So why would I want solid lifters in my
engine?
HORSEPOWER, pure and simple horsepower. A
solid lifter valvetrain will be less sluggish, open to a greater extent, and
close faster than a hydraulic setup. This translates into better
control of the valvetrain, as well as more time spent at higher flow valve
lifts. Solid lifters will allow for more high rpm power by eliminating
the "collapse" experienced by hydraulic lifters at certain rpm thresholds
and valvespring pressure levels. The stronger your valve springs, the
sooner this collapse will occur with hydraulics! Likewise, any
fluctuation in oil pressure will affect the operation of your hydraulic
lifters, not so with a solid lifter conversion. In addition, solid
lifters eliminate valve float associated with many hydraulic lifter
applications.
Aside from the increased horsepower and
potential to turn your engine faster, drivability and low rpm power are also
increased by closing the valves quicker and thus keeping cylinder pressures
higher. Your motor will even idle better and rid itself of the dreaded
"lifter tic", which is usually caused by bad hydraulic lifters, or thicker
oil weights.
Do solid lifters work for both turbocharged
and normally aspirated engines?
Yes! Our BLE Solid Lifter Conversion Kits
will benefit both turbocharged and normally aspirated engines. In
fact, our BLE solid lifters are becoming the choice for many NHRA Sport
Compact competitors, including All Motor, Hot Rod, Pro FWD, and Pro RWD, as
well as, the choice among Ford modular motor racers in the NMRA.
For
applications, please see our
products page.
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