Which Rhoads lifter to use?
 

To those out there using Rhoads lifters - Which one should I use, the original or V-Max?

I am using a Crower 60919 cam with 1.65 ratio PRW aluminum roller rockers in a 455.

Thanks.

I don't run either one but I've read that the V-Max are not as good as the originals. Appears that the V-Max are very similar to "other" brands which aren't as noisy and don't work, jsut like the other brands. Stick with the originals.

JMO, Stewart

V-max is my choice..............
 

I have extensive use/mileage w/ both conventional & V-Max style Rhoads lifters in my three Pontiacs, and I recommend the V-Max for their additional adjustability and their "cool face" type oiling groove. The newer V-Max lifters offer the same top quality construction as the originals PLUS the ability to adjust the lash for more/less vacuum/noise. I suggest cast v-covers for those that don't favor the solid cam tone.

Les

Not to pirate this thread but on a "way more than stock cam" motor do the rhoads lifters really give back your low end?

The original version have a long track history of success. With that said, the person who promted the Rhoads lifter movement switched to the V-Max lifters before they were even advertised. The best person to ask about the benefits of each would be to send a PM to Jim Hand himself.

Personally, I like the "Idea" of the V-Max lifter bacause you gain more control over your adjustments and lifter pump up. In laymans terms, the V-Max is like having a middle to choose from giving you some of the benefits of the solid lifter with the low maintenance of a hydraulic. Off topic, Pontiac used a "Limited" travel lifter on the Ram Air 4 engines a long time ago. Good luck! JD

Yes the rhoads work!!! WAY better low end and vaccume but i still don't like the sound, to me it's lowder than any sollid cam i've heard, but i never used cast v-covers, also if you really want to tame the ra4 cam then use the v-max's, but personally i'd go with the originals:)

I used them on my 389 and it was nice to have some adjustability/.

Les talked us into running them in our 2+2 and I have nothing but good to say about the V-Max. We are also running the Crower 60919 cam, 1.65 rockers and V-Max lifters with the Super Lube option. 15 Inches of vacuum and much more torque than we had before in the 421. Unless the hood is up, they are difficult to hear (we also are running heavy aluminum valve covers). The little bit of clatter that is present is very consistent and even - which actually sounds good to me.

Mick do you have them lashed at the loose end or the tight end?
I have the 60919/original Rhoads in my 462 and I'd like a little more cam to come on at low rpm.
With the hydro my first gear is 3.97 and very deep even with the 2.56 posi.

The ticking grew on my too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTaoSj7taKs

Rhoads lists the range from .010" to .030" and we picked the middle of the road and set them at .020" and we have over 15" of vacuum. I was thinking of dropping down to .010" and dropping the torque off a bit since we are now blowing the stock tires away on the 2+2. If the power came on just a tad later I think it would just hook and go. I just haven't had the time to play with it to see what we like better.

Thanks for the info Mick.

Thanks for all the good information.

So which V-Max lifters are the better choice, 9518x or the 9518XL with the patented groove down the entire length of the lifter body?

Rhoads version of "cool face" lifters..........
 

Use the XL type Rhoads as the side groove provides extra oiling @ the lifter/lobe interface.

Les