Flat tappet lifter failure

[Rory McNeil]

Originally Posted by Terry Cain

Gotta ask yourself WHY did OEM decide to go to rollers if flats are cheaper to make?

Well, I am certainly not privy to what the OEs were thinking in the mid 80s, but my guess would be for a fractional improvement in CAFE gas mileage, along with thin piston rings, EFI, low drag, thin engine oils, overdrive transmissions, attention to aerodynamics, serpentine belt arrangements lightweight items , like aluminum blocks and heads, plastic valve covers, intake plenums, aluminum master cylinder and calipers, plastic and aluminum body panels, aluminum radiators and heater cores, smaller displacement engines, cylinder deactivation systems, electric cooling fans, roller rocker arms, aluminum driveshafts, etc.
Hmmm, almost makes you want to built a later model car to enjoy all those benefits, isn`t it!