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Author Topic: Can you run a hydraulic cam with mech lifters?  (Read 243 times)

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Offline Jon Olds

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Can you run a hydraulic cam with mech lifters?
« on: January 01, 2015, 05:53:17 pm »
Tried to get people interested in this discussion elsewhere, but haven't.......

The reason I am asking is a cost issue. I sold a set of 300 deg hyds to buy a set of 300 mechs a couple of years back based on 'internet expert' information.

I am now very comfortable shimming up solid lifter jobs and one of my cars is still on hyd cams.

The reasoning I would put forward for a yes, is as follows;

Hyd cams have a less aggressive ramp to suit the heavier follower with a degree of compressability due to the oil.
The base circle must have near zero follower load even with a hyd cam to allow some oiling.

Anybody any comments? I have persuaded a mate of mine to convert one follower to mechanical in his 1600 driver, as a test
Jon

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Offline JMR

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Re: Can you run a hydraulic cam with mech lifters?
« Reply #1 on: January 01, 2015, 05:58:55 pm »
I've never done it myself but I'm told shimming them up real tight. .3-4 thou...is the way to do it.

Offline Jon Olds

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Re: Can you run a hydraulic cam with mech lifters?
« Reply #2 on: January 01, 2015, 08:41:12 pm »
Not sure why that would be necessary, but I would like to hear from someone that has done it.
Benefits;
Easier to set up, by miles. Including getting piston pockets and clearances more accurate.
Lighter , so better valve control at high revs
Less oil useage, so more for bearings
Less oil in the head, so less slosh/aeration potential
Better valve control due to no compressability
Downsides;
Maintenance every once in a while. Surely not an issue for  race engine
Time consuming to do 1st time
Cost of materials

Anybody?
Jon

Offline JMR

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Re: Can you run a hydraulic cam with mech lifters?
« Reply #3 on: January 01, 2015, 09:04:20 pm »
A hydro profile has a different ramp rate so as not to hammer the hydraulics. .so when used with solid lifters that clearance needs taking up.

However the profile itself will still be soft in operation compared to a dedicated solid lifter profile.

Personally I'd move on any hydro cams and put the funds toward some dedicated solid lifter profiles...the "drive" and  response will be much better. .along the lines I mentioned in the other thread re the 8v V's 16v response.

Offline Jon Olds

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Re: Can you run a hydraulic cam with mech lifters?
« Reply #4 on: January 01, 2015, 09:55:24 pm »
Some big power cars run hydraulics. (F2Stu Cordy, for example) Pair s/h cams worth 200? new mech ones 600? that's medium money difference in my book, worth saving......
Jon
Agree, I prefer mechs

Offline Tristan

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Re: Can you run a hydraulic cam with mech lifters?
« Reply #5 on: January 02, 2015, 03:12:35 pm »
Fairly sure Danster on cgti posted about doing this a few years ago.

Offline Jon Olds

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Re: Can you run a hydraulic cam with mech lifters?
« Reply #6 on: January 02, 2015, 03:32:01 pm »
Thanks, I have looked and couldn't find anything
Jon

 

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