The Ford Barn

art ebeling · 04-21-2025, 10:57 AM

I can't find any vendors with American made adjustable lifters in stock. Are the foreign made lifters good to use? Do they still have problems with the adjusting bolts not being tight? Thanks, Art

kurt v · 04-21-2025, 12:09 PM

johnson lifters 800-441-1400

tubman · 04-21-2025, 12:22 PM

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For the last engine I had built, the builder installed an Iskenderian MAX-1 cam and kit. It came with a set of 185G springs and a set of the solid-bodied Isky "tractor" lifters. When I opened the box they came in, I was disappointed in their heft.

When I picked up the engine from the rebuilder, he asked me why I had used those heavy "slugs" in what otherwise was a performance engine. I answered that it was what everyone did, and afterall, they came as a part of the kit. He pulled out one of the original Ford lifters and I was surprised at how light it was. That got me thinking and I called Fred at Southside Obsolete and I was able to buy a set of NOS Ford lifters from him for a helluva lot less than any aftermarket adjustables. SBC valves are cheap enough and enough longer than the originals to make up for any reduced base circle on the cam.

The next engine I build will get stock lifters if I can help it. Just another point of view.

04-21-2025, 10:57 AM	#1
art ebeling Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Hillsboro IL Posts: 535	lifters I can't find any vendors with American made adjustable lifters in stock. Are the foreign made lifters good to use? Do they still have problems with the adjusting bolts not being tight? Thanks, Art

04-21-2025, 12:09 PM	#2
kurt v Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: summerton, sc Posts: 486	Re: lifters johnson lifters 800-441-1400

04-21-2025, 12:22 PM	#3
tubman Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Minnesota, Florida Keys Posts: 11,639	Re: lifters Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) For the last engine I had built, the builder installed an Iskenderian MAX-1 cam and kit. It came with a set of 185G springs and a set of the solid-bodied Isky "tractor" lifters. When I opened the box they came in, I was disappointed in their heft. When I picked up the engine from the rebuilder, he asked me why I had used those heavy "slugs" in what otherwise was a performance engine. I answered that it was what everyone did, and afterall, they came as a part of the kit. He pulled out one of the original Ford lifters and I was surprised at how light it was. That got me thinking and I called Fred at Southside Obsolete and I was able to buy a set of NOS Ford lifters from him for a helluva lot less than any aftermarket adjustables. SBC valves are cheap enough and enough longer than the originals to make up for any reduced base circle on the cam. The next engine I build will get stock lifters if I can help it. Just another point of view.