Is there a difference on how long a set of hydraulic roller lifters will last vs a set of mechanical roller lifters? I'm trying to make a mild engine that will last for a long while so I want to know what will stand the test of time...

 

Anyone??? I know that the stock 5.0 rollers are good for 200,000+ miles but will mechanicals have the same lifespan?

 

If long life is the biggest concern. A roller hydraulic lifter would be the best choice.

Mechanical lifters are the simplest lifter but are often accompanied by an aggressive camshaft ramp which requires big spring pressures. The combination is definately short life but that's not to say a mechical lifter is short life.
If you combine a mechanical lifter with low spring pressure. That engine would also lead a long life.

 

Thanks, that was pretty much the plan with the lower spring pressure. I've lucked into some solid rollers already but I was going to purchase hydraulics if the life-span was an issue. This 5.0 isn't going to be anything special; I just want a good sounding idle, a little power, and still have a long-living motor...basically, nothing crazy or really strong. 275-325 horsepower is more than enough.

 

Solid roller lifter cams are more aggresive and DO require high spring pressure to take advantage of the cam. Solid roller lifters have a very limited life span compared to hyd rollers. In most of my solid roler street cars I was swapping the lifters every 2500-5000 miles. You will also give the solid roller periotic valve adjustments to set the lash. On top of all that when you swap the solid roller lifters out (or take them out to check them) you will prob have to yank the heads on your 5.0.

Although solid roller lifters have become so much better over the last 10 years they don't like sitting idle. The lifters are dependant on splash oiling on the lobes and thats best when rpm is up. I've had many cars with solid rollers but if this is going to be a car you drive often in low speed traffic I would advise against it. I've had a few solid roller lifters come apart and it ain't pretty. Hyd roller lifter have a cushion and solid rollers that require some lash will beat themselves to death and could lead to catostriphic damage when the lifter breaks. If I were running a solid roller lifter cam in my car it would get new lifters every 3000 miles. Thats why they should only be used on very limited street engines. The only solid roller lifter I would even consider using on the street is the Comp Cams Endure-X lifter

 

If all you want is 300hp at the crank and a long engine life. A stock 5L short block will do ya. If you are not pushing it hard like spraying a worn short block a stock fuelie 5.0 will last way beyond 300,000 miles.

 

if 300 is only the goal hydraulic is all you need = that simple...debate over

 

Fair enough, I have the 66215-16H Crowers but experience tells the tale; which is something you guys have and I lack. No spraying, no adders, just a fairly strong street engine with a good lifespan. Looks like hydraulics will be the way to go.

 

I find one thing strange about the advice given on solid roller lifters...every 3000 miles??? Solid flat tappets would go around 35,000-45,000 miles back in the 60s with less accurate machining and lower quality oil; as long as you wouldn't race them...did I miss something? Hydraulics lasting longer is understandable, but 3,000 vs 300,000 miles seems a little off.

 

yea i agree, solid lifters are HARD on the valvetrain!!!