Flat tappet lifter failure

Alan Roehrich · 02-02-2024, 03:14 PM

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.

02-02-2024, 03:14 PM	#11
Alan Roehrich Veteran Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Murfreesboro TN Posts: 5,118 Likes: 1,573 Liked 1,837 Times in 417 Posts	Re: Flat tappet lifter failure 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. __________________ Alan Roehrich 212A G/S