FAQs

A.

Simply put, the main function of the lifter in an OHC engine is to adjust the valve lash. In these sport compact engines, the lifter usually acts as a pivot point for the rocker arm (if equipped) or a seat for the cam lobe to push on (if no rocker arms).

A.

For any particular application, the hydraulic and solid lifters should look about the same from the outside. A solid lifter's point of contact with the rocker arm/cam lobe is fixed at a certain point using either shims or an adjustable locking mechanism. The hydraulic lifter, on the other hand, constantly moves this point of contact using oil pressure valving and/or a spring to produce an upward force, and thus is usually referred to as "self-adjusting".

Hydraulic lifters have been used by OEM's for many years for a few reasons. When compared to a solid lifter, hydraulics are quieter, lower in maintenance, and easier on the valvetrain.

A.

HORSEPOWER, pure and simple - horsepower. A solid lifter valvetrain will be less sluggish, open to a greater extent, and close faster than a hydraulic setup. This translates into better control of the valvetrain, as well as, more time spent at higher flow valve lifts. Solid lifters will allow for more high rpm power by eliminating the "collapse" experienced by hydraulic lifters at certain rpm thresholds and valvespring pressure levels. The stronger your valve springs, the sooner this collapse will occur with hydraulics! Likewise, any fluctuation in oil pressure will affect the operation of your hydraulic lifters, not so with a solid lifter conversion. In addition, solid lifters eliminate valve float associated with many hydraulic lifter applications.

Aside from the increased horsepower and potential to turn your engine faster, drivability and low rpm power are also increased by closing the valves quicker and thus keeping cylinder pressures higher. Your motor will even idle better and rid itself of the dreaded "lifter tic", which is usually caused by bad hydraulic lifters, or thicker oil weights.

A.

Yes! Our BLE Solid Lifter Conversion Kits will benefit both turbocharged and normally aspirated engines. In fact, our BLE solid lifters are becoming the choice for many Sport Compact racers & enthusiasts, Sprint dirt track competitors, as well as, the choice among Ford modular motor teams in the NMRA.