lifters

[knarless]

On a stock 1969 460,78,000 miles, 10.5-1 comp. ratio, can i change the lifters and leave the old cam? some people say yes,some say yes. which is it? Thank You, Dennis

[stockittome]

NO. New lifters have a convex bottom with an approx. radius of 36". This can be seen by placing two new lifter bottoms together. With this many miles your lifter bottoms are probably flat or concave. Also note that your cam lobe has a slight taper to it. This plus the radius on your lifter enables it to spin. Your old cam will not enable your new lifters to spin, causing you much grief. Have a pro change cam, lifters and timing set as it's tired also. No need to change cam bearings as they are one of the lightest loaded components of your engine, as long as they are not damaged by removal or installation. Good luck

[Excaliber]

I say no! Flat tappets and cams go together as the surfaces wear in together.

Now ROLLER lifters, then YEAH, swap them around just about any way you want.

[knarless]

But you need a roller type cam to install roller lifters, correct?

[Excaliber]

Assolutely!!!

[trularin]

Ernie is an expert!