How to best modify Smith lifter?

Moparteacher · 08-12-2020, 03:14 PM

Hola!
I'm moving over to a solid grind. New, milder grind. I would like to continue using my very low mileage Smith Machine low travel "composite-base" hydraulic lifters on this new flat tappet solid grind. The lifters have .015 travel.
Obviously the correct thing to do would be to purchase new lifters, but it's not the preferred option...today.

I prefer to run as is, or modify the Smith Machine lifters. $
So, option #1, Run as is and if so at what lash? (Cam grinder recommends .010" hot.)
Option #2, Shim plunger with .015" stainless shim material and leave check valve assembly in lifter. If so at what lash?
Option #4, no shim, no check valve so lifter does not fill and hold, and run as "take-up" lifter with zero lash (or less) so the face stays in contact with base and lifter compresses and bottoms .015" or so upon ramp-up. And if so, block oil feed hole or leave open?
Or different modification?

What works without banging the composite base into little pieces?
BBM 383

Thanks,
Gary

08-12-2020, 03:14 PM	#1
Moparteacher Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Boise Posts: 49 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	How to best modify Smith lifter? Hola! I'm moving over to a solid grind. New, milder grind. I would like to continue using my very low mileage Smith Machine low travel "composite-base" hydraulic lifters on this new flat tappet solid grind. The lifters have .015 travel. Obviously the correct thing to do would be to purchase new lifters, but it's not the preferred option...today. I prefer to run as is, or modify the Smith Machine lifters. $ So, option #1, Run as is and if so at what lash? (Cam grinder recommends .010" hot.) Option #2, Shim plunger with .015" stainless shim material and leave check valve assembly in lifter. If so at what lash? Option #4, no shim, no check valve so lifter does not fill and hold, and run as "take-up" lifter with zero lash (or less) so the face stays in contact with base and lifter compresses and bottoms .015" or so upon ramp-up. And if so, block oil feed hole or leave open? Or different modification? What works without banging the composite base into little pieces? BBM 383 Thanks, Gary __________________ Gary Weaver Moparteacher@yahoo.com