15 replies to this topic

[Flaming Skull 57]

Hi All

 

I am going to replace the Hydraulic Lifters in my LC 173 High Compression motor. I have found out 173/202 have shorter push rods (9.016) and other red motors have longer push rods (9.136).

I notice some companies advertise Hydraulic Lifters that fit ALL red motors and others specify lifters just for 173/202 only. 

Are the lifters different in some way?

 

I'm looking at a set of "Delphi" 173/202 lifters - American Made. Has anyone used them. Not a great fan of Crows. Any other manufacturers I could look at.

 

Regards

John

[claysummers]

Pretty sure they’re all the same EH to VK.

I got my lifters from Jonny Marshall. 0411955233 Marshall cams at Mulwalah. He profiles them out of the box so you know they are good. Not more than $150 supplied.


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[yel327]

It’s the rockers that change and not just for 173 and 202. There will be 2250 engines out there with the non adjustable rockers.

[Flaming Skull 57]

Thanks Clay

 

By "Profile" do you mean he pressure tests/Leakdown tests etc. before sending them?

[greenhj]

I'm guessing it means they get a lick on the grinding wheel to make sure the taper is correct.

[yel327]

I have read a lot of grief with lifters in the USA. They are all looking for NOS older units or engine builders grind them so they aren't flat. I've heard a lot of experienced blokes claim that even hydraulic rollers are a pain now, they keep failing. A lot of them are saying but a hydraulic roller cam and run solid rollers on them. But I'm thinking of just going for a solid roller cam and lifters. Put up with the semi-regular checks and possible adjustments rather than dealing with failed hydraulic rollers.

[warrenm]

All Red/Blue/Black Holden 6's use the same lifter.

[claysummers]

Thanks Clay

By "Profile" do you mean he pressure tests/Leakdown tests etc. before sending them?

They get the lobe following surface ground to the correct dome profile. The cam lobe has a taper and the lifter surface is domed so they rotate in the bore to spread the wear. If this isn’t right the lobe and lifter end up wearing prematurely. Don’t ask me how I know this…..,


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Edited by claysummers, 10 July 2025 - 11:45 PM.

[Dr Terry]

. Don’t ask me how I know this…..,

 

How do you know this ? 

 

Dr Terry

[claysummers]

How do you know this ?

Dr Terry

Ha ha
During covid there was a shortage of new cam blanks and I was putting together a 179. Got a NOS Dynotec 206D from memory or 205D may have been. Put together, rear lifter wouldn’t turn. Lasted about 10,000 km before the lobe and lifter chewed out. Talking to engine builders they were commonly having trouble with new lifters and recommended great care, profiling and running in with soft springs.


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[Dr Terry]

Ha ha
During covid there was a shortage of new cam blanks and I was putting together a 179. Got a NOS Dynotec 206D from memory or 205D may have been. Put together, rear lifter wouldn’t turn. Lasted about 10,000 km before the lobe and lifter chewed out. Talking to engine builders they were commonly having trouble with new lifters and recommended great care, profiling and running in with soft springs.


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It was actually a rhetorical question as a joke, but good to learn of your experience.

 

Dr Terry

[Flaming Skull 57]

Thanks Clay. Do Marshall Cams use CROW Lifters?

[LXCHEV]

I used to buy my Holden 6 lifters from Clive at Clive Cams. He was always preaching about the importance of having the lifters 'surfaced' (profiled) as discussed above, to ensure the perfect radius / dome / profile (whatever you like to call it), which as mentioned, results in the lifters rotating correctly once installed. The ultimate preventative maintenance.

[claysummers]

Thanks Clay. Do Marshall Cams use CROW Lifters?

dont think so John. He is a good feller to talk to if you ring at the right time of day.


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I used to buy my Holden 6 lifters from Clive at Clive Cams. He was always preaching about the importance of having the lifters 'surfaced' (profiled) as discussed above, to ensure the perfect radius / dome / profile (whatever you like to call it), which as mentioned, results in the lifters rotating correctly once installed. The ultimate preventative maintenance.

Yes that is good to know. Marshall is old school Iike Clive.


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[Flaming Skull 57]

Thanks Brett and Clay. I will call them both and have a chat.

[Bruiser]

Crow’s lifter supplier is hylift Johnson made in USandA
They seem to have a good reputation
Not sure how many factories worldwide they have to choose from,
but other cam makers might be on-selling the same ones.
Could be worth looking into which ones to avoid