5k Solid Lifter Conversion

[Mybowlcut]

Hey.

 

I've searched for this topic and have found camerondownunder's thread but I'm still not sure I have the info correct.

 

I'm considering swapping my 5K hydraulic lifters to 4k solid lifters and swapping the 5K hydraulic cam to a 4k solid cam. The reason for this is that I've rung up two cam places (Tighe and CEC in WA) and they both said that re-grinding a hydraulic cam will cause problems. I've been trying to figure out ways to get around this and so far I've been told that a solid lifter conversion might be the go.

 

I know there are people who have done this and used A12 push rods or something? But can it be done how I've described it? As in, just convert to 4k solid lifters and 4k solid cam and not change anything else?

 

Cheers.

[Taz_Rx]

Dude. You haven't spend much time searching have you!!?? :hmm:

 

Have you read through the FAQ?

 

Tip - Look for a reference to machining rocker posts for hydraulic cams. :dance:

[Mybowlcut]

Awww crap. I never even looked past the General Information section. :dance:

 

So it says that you can swap the lifters if you find the 3F ones... but can you use solid lifters with a hydraulic cam? I'm not worried about high revs, it's getting the cam re-ground that worries me. A solid cam will apparently mean less hassles since the hydraulic cam getting ground produces spring(?) pre-load issues...

 

Edit: Couldn't see anything relate to machining rocker posts for hydraulic cams... will double check.

 

Found this:

Most 5Ks are dished, but there are some 5k's with flat top pistons, these engines also can have solid lifters,however aftermarket flat-top pistons do exist.

But I don't think it's what you meant... haha. Edited December 1, 2008 by Mybowlcut

[camerondownunder88]

You can use solid lifters on ahydro grind cam but don't. The cams run different lash ramps, ramp rate etc adn in some case you can lose total lift running solid lifters on a hydro cam.

 

But if you run a solid cam on hydro lifters SAY GOOD BY to the lot. I did it once >..LOL Learnt lots.

 

Also can use 3F lifters I did this in my 5K and use stock 4kc push rods and modified rockets as per the 3K TRD book. Then it JUST fits. But if you don't wanna mod shit you MUST get JDM 4K dished piston push rods to fit 3F lifters.

 

I have got a hydro cam reground before (well was a 3K cam I go ground toa hydro setting and put in a5K) Worked great no issues really. BUT be careful. JDM 4K and some 5K usually dished piston ones runa different size rear bearing on the cama dn all and I had a cam punch out the rear welsh plug once. There is a difference also JDM 4/5K usually also got a different timing chain tensioner a cooler one if you ask me loks its self together so you don't need to hold it in to compress it etc. But just watxch the cam you get re ground test fit it first don't wanna waste $90 on a regrind then find it wont fit.

 

Cheers

Cameron

[Mybowlcut]

You can use solid lifters on ahydro grind cam but don't. The cams run different lash ramps, ramp rate etc adn in some case you can lose total lift running solid lifters on a hydro cam.

 

But if you run a solid cam on hydro lifters SAY GOOD BY to the lot. I did it once >..LOL Learnt lots.

 

Also can use 3F lifters I did this in my 5K and use stock 4kc push rods and modified rockets as per the 3K TRD book. Then it JUST fits. But if you don't wanna mod shit you MUST get JDM 4K dished piston push rods to fit 3F lifters.

 

I have got a hydro cam reground before (well was a 3K cam I go ground toa hydro setting and put in a5K) Worked great no issues really. BUT be careful. JDM 4K and some 5K usually dished piston ones runa different size rear bearing on the cama dn all and I had a cam punch out the rear welsh plug once. There is a difference also JDM 4/5K usually also got a different timing chain tensioner a cooler one if you ask me loks its self together so you don't need to hold it in to compress it etc. But just watxch the cam you get re ground test fit it first don't wanna waste $90 on a regrind then find it wont fit.

 

Cheers

Cameron

Hey thanks for the reply!

 

So I'm a bit confused as to my options...

 

1) Don't bother with the cam at all and get the 32/36 weber jetted to suit a 5K with shaved and ported head (weber was what started the whole cam issue)

2) Get my 5K hydraulic cam re-ground - I've been told by two parties that this is not a good idea.

3) Get JDM 4K Dished piston push rods and 3F lifters - this would require a lot of searching around from what I've read from threads on the topic. Still unsure if I'd run a 4K solid cam with this setup or get my 5K hydraulic cam re-ground?

 

I'm thinking just take the easy way out and don't bother with a cam... but a cam would kinda finish my car in terms of engine mods; there's not much else I'd like to do.

 

Cheers.

Edited December 1, 2008 by Mybowlcut

[camerondownunder88]

Mod is easy to do with 4kc rods adn 3F lifters so id go solid. But be carefl currently in my 5K I got a 3K cam it fit soem wont jsut double check compair the cam your going to regrind with the original.

 

But if your looking for the easy way out go grind you cam toa new hydr profile EASY. Also after that lifter pre-load is easy to do by shimming the rocker posts so stay hydro it is the easiest to do.

 

Cameron

[Mybowlcut]

Mod is easy to do with 4kc rods adn 3F lifters so id go solid. But be carefl currently in my 5K I got a 3K cam it fit soem wont jsut double check compair the cam your going to regrind with the original.

 

But if your looking for the easy way out go grind you cam toa new hydr profile EASY. Also after that lifter pre-load is easy to do by shimming the rocker posts so stay hydro it is the easiest to do.

 

Cameron

I don't know much about all this stuff, but what does shimming mean and how will it affect the pre-load? That sounds like the best way but I guess I'm just worried if anything goes wrong...

 

Cheers.

[Felix]

Why the hell would you shim under the rocker pedestals?

 

Mybowlcut do a search here and on google for "lifter preload".....

[Mybowlcut]

Why the hell would you shim under the rocker pedestals?

 

Mybowlcut do a search here and on google for "lifter preload".....

1 2

 

2 is what the machinist I asked said... he said it's usually 1/2 to 3/4 depending on stuff. I rang him up after reading those posts and it sounds pretty promising... the only problem is that I won't know how much was taken off the cam until it's actually done due to wear that might need to be accounted for. It isn't really a problem, I just hope skimming the rocker pedestals will solve the problem cause if it doesn't I'm car-less... :dance:

 

Cheers!

Edited December 1, 2008 by Mybowlcut

[coln72]

Had my hydro 5K cam ground to a Wade 169 grind. Didn't have any issues at all with lifter pre load etc. Just threw it in when it arrived and slotted the motor back in.

[camerondownunder88]

By shimming I didn't mean to exactly add a shim. I also meant remove metal to lower them. As yes base circle is reduced.

 

Also I ran the Tighe 115 or what ever it was the mid range cam was good in town and gave good power I can recommend it. Was the cam that peaked at about 5000RPM but it will go higher.

 

Cameron

[Boost+k]

ive never heard of not be able to regrind the hydro cams.. mine is ground to ~270degrees and i run solids no problem

 

IMO best option is regrind a old 4k solid or similar cam, a12 push-rods, chev lifters and 4k adj rocker gear

or get the hydro cam reground... donno how much they can go with hydro lifters but the standard cam is stupidly small, made for low down power only

 

but search and ye shall find... its been covered soo many times

[coln72]

These were the specs for my reground hydro cam

 

Lobe lift ex. 0.268; in 0.269

Timing Ad. open-close

ex 75-36

in 41-70

duration @ 0.050

218 deg

valve lift

0.395

 

These specs (or close to them) were ground onto the 5k cam and ran standard hydro lifters. It would spin to 8000rpm with ease but wasn't making much power up there. It had a good spread of power as throttle response was more important than top end grunt.

 

My advice is to stick with the hydrolic lifters as it is a pain in the arse setting valve clearances all the time, which you will be doing if you rev it hard.