Flat tappet lifter failure

[Terry Cain]

95 percent of the time it's bracket racing. Even more so now that we don't race class. If the rule were to change no one is forcing anyone to change. If a guy thinks what he has is the best or "good enough" so be it. Since I started this post I have received a bunch of email from guys who have had failures. This is suppose to be the entree level class. Guys aren't going to continue spending money of voodoo oils, etc, etc. to race for $1500 (or I'm not). I'll put a roller in, run pump gas, and run the NMCA races.

[Alan Roehrich]

I have been involved in Stock since 1982, in one capacity or another, as an transmission builder, crew chief, engine builder, and driver.


It hasn't been "entry level" since before I became involved. Trick ring packages, trick cams, 8" torque converters, trick clutches, expensive aluminum drums, special gear sets, expensive custom headers, expensive custom camshafts..... None of that is "entry level". All of that has been in Stock for more than 40 years.



It's not "bracket racing", considering you have to make the car run under the index or under, simply to be able to go rounds. Never mind heads up races, which still do happen. And class will still be contested at Indy, at some LODRS races, and some opens.


Any rule change that changes an engine component affects every racer in the class, and forces them to adapt to remain competitive. It also affects everything else in the engine. An engine is not a collection of parts, it's a developed system. At least it is if it runs for very long, and makes competitive HP.


If you have a decent understanding of camshafts, lifters, lobe design, and valvetrain, you know that everything about the lifter is critical, and everything about it affects lobe design, reliability, and power.

[Terry Cain]

Originally Posted by Alan Roehrich

I have been involved in Stock since 1982, in one capacity or another, as an transmission builder, crew chief, engine builder, and driver.


It hasn't been "entry level" since before I became involved. Trick ring packages, trick cams, 8" torque converters, trick clutches, expensive aluminum drums, special gear sets, expensive custom headers, expensive custom camshafts..... None of that is "entry level". All of that has been in Stock for more than 40 years.



It's not "bracket racing", considering you have to make the car run under the index or under, simply to be able to go rounds. Never mind heads up races, which still do happen. And class will still be contested at Indy, at some LODRS races, and some opens.


Any rule change that changes an engine component affects every racer in the class, and forces them to adapt to remain competitive. It also affects everything else in the engine. An engine is not a collection of parts, it's a developed system. At least it is if it runs for very long, and makes competitive HP.


If you have a decent understanding of camshafts, lifters, lobe design, and valvetrain, you know that everything about the lifter is critical, and everything about it affects lobe design, reliability, and power.

Yep, First race was 1973. Flat towed. it is entry level. Any rule change does not effect every racer. Example. Roller lifters. 60 percent of cars racing now already have them.
No more from me.

[Alan Roehrich]

LOL, 60% isn't the correct number. The current factors are based on all combinations having the OE type and size lifter. Changing the rule, to allow combinations that do not have an OE roller lifter to run a roller lifter, changes the current balance of the class. That affects every racer.


You continue to be incorrect, and you do not try to learn in order to be correct.


Perhaps that is why no one was able to help you resolve your camshaft failures.

[jcw31]

Dont race stock but watched the epe video and it looked like Harhiem and Godbold both did not jump in and say ya oil thats the problem in fact it seemed they looked the other way. It seems that all cam companys would rather not deal with the problem or look for an answer.
Lake speed has the credentials but I dont see this as just the oils fault alone (personally dont care for him) . It was said maybe the limit has been reached . If a roller would cure this without needing million dollar springs/ billet cores / $1000 lifters without affecting perf. adding longevity and in the long run saving tons of $.
I know guys already have the flat tappet setups but they dont last forever either so after they wear out or break stay or change .If the lift rule stays its been said a roller has no perf advantage. I dont know it just seems no one has the answer. Sorry for the rant.

Most certainly not just an oil issue I agree. Metal is not what it once was nor are the coatings involved..

[kansas stocker]

I'll bet if we went back to stock heights and poundage, camshaft and lifter problems would be 99% solved. Almost one of the easiest things to check but the whiners were heard, then new problems were created and the whining started again.
Just my 20 cents worth to account for inflation.

[Billy Nees]

Originally Posted by Terry Cain

This is suppose to be the entree level class.

Yer kiddin' right?