Hey Sweet Lips...Jack
You're lucky. As Mike indicates, the pressed in gears are avaiable for Chevys and possibly for SB Fords, but I haven't found squat for FEs. If I tore my motor down often like a pro drag racer, I wouldn't worry.
If I'm going to spend that much on lifters, I think I'd try the Schubecks and really not worry about needle bearings (cuz there ain't none).
Morris
If I wanted forced induction, I'd get a ricer. Although, a nice fat BDS sticking out of the hood is always proper attire at any function.
Pat
I suspect yours is right for you...especially with the dry sump.
I'm still up in the air. I have the motor out for some work, so changing cam/lifters is relatively easy to do right now. Here are some definite facts from what I've gleaned for FEs...somebody tell me if I'm wrong on any of these.
1. Broken needle bearings for roller lifters are nasty little basturds. They are akin to genitle crabs...they get into everything and they bite like hell.
2. Roller cams make mo betta horsepower.
3. Flat tappet setups can make tons of horses, can result in flattened cam lobes, need break in, allow for steel distributor gears and need lash adjustments less often.
4. Roller cams (for FEs) require bronze gears...they may last 12,000 miles, or they might not.
5. Roller cams require no break in.
While money is not a huge factor, the Schubecks are just a bit out of line, especially for a fairly new product. Like computers, maybe that price will come down in a year or so.
So, what about hydraulic roller cams? I note the Mr. Craft uses them for them big hp motors, and they obviously cut way down on maintenance...better than flat tappets? I presume needle bearings can come flying out of the hydraulic rollers like solid rollers, albeit less likely. What about float? Bronze gears for them as well?
Thank you gentlemen...keep it coming.