[ponchjoe]

Hey guys, I am attempting the dreaded HFT cam installation in my 400 for my 62 GMC. I have a set of Hylift Johnson’s I bought from Paul K many years ago. I see Crower has a “cam saver” lifter.
Which is the best choice and why?
Thanks

[steve25]

I would pm Paul on that question.

[64speed]

I’m using cam savers on my Crower cam and they seem good

[JB Eng Wis]

I would say both are Good to use.... its just a roll of the dice
I you are able to do the weak single spring on break in, then the stars are all in aline...
Plus a good choice of break in oil.

[67Lemons]

Stick with what you have, the general consensus is that the lifters made in the past are better than what we are seeing today plus the HJ’s are a quality USA product regardless.

[grivera]

The ones you already have on hand

[Tom Vaught]

X2

Tom V.

[Tom Vaught]

X2

Tom V.

[i82much]

can you have lifters drilled for an oiling provision?

[ponchjoe]

Originally Posted by 67Lemons

Stick with what you have, the general consensus is that the lifters made in the past are better than what we are seeing today plus the HJ’s are a quality USA product regardless.

I thought it was the cam cores that were the issue???

[67Lemons]

Originally Posted by ponchjoe

I thought it was the cam cores that were the issue???

Everything that I have read & heard points to lifters not cam cores. Plus it’s pretty much one or two suppliers for cam cores vs all the different suppliers for lifters.

[68WarDog]

Originally Posted by i82much

can you have lifters drilled for an oiling provision?

Are you referring to solid roller lifters? I've had it done twice by Crower for the needle bearings. No other lifters would benefit or needed.

[i82much]

Originally Posted by 68WarDog

Are you referring to solid roller lifters? I've had it done twice by Crower for the needle bearings. No other lifters would benefit or needed.

yeah i knew abt the solid rollers but wasnt sure if you could do something with a flat tappet as well. i googled a bit and couldnt figure out what a "cam saver" lifter really is ... how do they help?

[Nobuddy]

Originally Posted by i82much

yeah i knew abt the solid rollers but wasnt sure if you could do something with a flat tappet as well. i googled a bit and couldnt figure out what a "cam saver" lifter really is ... how do they help?

Crower "Cam Saver" is only for flat hydraulics. It is a flat ground in the side of the lifter from the oil band to the face as a controlled leak for extra oil to the cam lobe/lifter face. So if you need extra oiling, it might help. Other ways to do this include cutting a groove in the lifter bore down towards the camshaft. There used to be kits with a guide bushing and cutting tool that you could add the grooves into the lifter bores by hand. You would have to hone afterward. I've never used either method so no opinion if or when they help.

The tiny holes in the face of the flat lifters are only for solids. Crower calls their version Cool Face. Doesn't work on a hydraulic since it would leak down all the internal pressure and fail the automatic lash adjustment.

[242177P]

Rhoads offers a $29 "Super Lube" groove.

[Dragncar]

That groove is interesting. You might be able to do it yourself if you are careful and have some equipment.

[Formulajones]

I always use the lubed lifters on flat tappets solid and hydraulic. Just piece of mind for me. But if you already have a set of Johnson lifters I'd use those and roll with it.

[i82much]

Originally Posted by Nobuddy

Crower "Cam Saver" is only for flat hydraulics. It is a flat ground in the side of the lifter from the oil band to the face as a controlled leak for extra oil to the cam lobe/lifter face. So if you need extra oiling, it might help. Other ways to do this include cutting a groove in the lifter bore down towards the camshaft. There used to be kits with a guide bushing and cutting tool that you could add the grooves into the lifter bores by hand. You would have to hone afterward. I've never used either method so no opinion if or when they help.

The tiny holes in the face of the flat lifters are only for solids. Crower calls their version Cool Face. Doesn't work on a hydraulic since it would leak down all the internal pressure and fail the automatic lash adjustment.

makes sense, thank you!

[JB Eng Wis]

I have never seen where the lifter is Grooved above the oil band, like show in the Rhoads pic....
Has anybody else? makes no sence to leak oil up into the lifter valley.. IMO

[Bill S]

Originally Posted by 242177P

Rhoads offers a $29 "Super Lube" groove.

I had those lifters along with the Mellings 041 cam. Still had two lifters / lobes fail.