Hyd Roller question

[Bob Austin]

I'm rebuilding a 88, 302 roller motor. I intend to get around 320-340 HP from the build. Do I need to replace the stock roller lifters? Do they ever go bad? Thanks for your input.......

[Toivo]

It depends on where in the RPM range you're planning on making those HP. If you need to spin it high, then you may want to replace the hydraulic rollers (good to 5500 or so) with something else.

[Jack21]

Yes, and no. Roller lifters can be re-used, and if you were putting a slightly warmer cam in the motor, you could get away with it. Everything else being equal, which it never is.

The problem with roller lifters in general, and Ford roller lifters in particular is that they are heavy. Up to around 5500 RPM they're fine. Past that you need stronger springs which puts more stress on the lifter. If you're going to rev the motor higher, you'll need stronger springs, heavy duty lifters, and possibly a rev kit. That's a question best left to the cam grinders tech support people, based on the cam you intend to use, and the RPM you intend to turn the engine. Both Comp Cams, and Crane have better Ford roller lifters if you need them.

But don't throw the stock ones away if you replace them. They're still reusable, unlike their flat counterparts.

[hound dog]

GENERALLY speaking, roller lifters can be reused even with a new camshaft. Regular hydraulic and solid lifters need to "wear in" to a new cam and should be changed out every time you change the cam. Rollers just roll over the lobes and do not "wear into" the camshaft. BUT, be sure to inspect them thoroughly and replace any lifters that show any wear, particularly in the needle bearings. Bearings don't flow well through the oiling system.
h dog