Rhoads variable lifters

[Clay Thompson]

Anyone have experience with Rhoads lifters?

 

[Intercooler]

You mean the loud ones? If you don't want to set the knock sensor off I would stay away.

 

[Joe 1320]

They bleed down at lower oil pressures and the noise will drive you nuts. It will definately screw with your knock sensor.

 

[1970gsx]

I've been running Rhoads lifters in my GSX for about 19 years (boy am I getting old). I needed them so I would have more vacuum at idle. They've done their job for all these years with no problem (about 70,000 miles). Mine are not very loud at all, and you only hear them at idle. They pump up as soon as you get off idle.

 

[TurboDave]

Originally posted by 1970gsx
I've been running Rhoads lifters in my GSX for about 19 years (boy am I getting old). I needed them so I would have more vacuum at idle. They've done their job for all these years with no problem (about 70,000 miles). Mine are not very loud at all, and you only hear them at idle. They pump up as soon as you get off idle.

Hmmm, wonder if there's any comparison between a 70's vintage carburated car that has no ECM, and a mid 80's vintage car that is ECM controlled and very fussy about what kind of noises are emminated from the engine? Dya think?

 

[FlyinGN]

Thaey have NO place in TR engine. The only reason to run themis because the cam is so wild that you have no vacuum at idle. This is the opposite on TR engines. Big cams have no place on a turbocharged engine. + the knock sensor problems you will also have

 

[1970gsx]

Turbodave, I never said they would work in a TR, just relaying my experience with them. That's what he asked for.

 

[JToups386]

Crower makes a great hyrdaulic lifter! The advantage is; they have a slight flat edge cut on one side, in order to allow extra oiling to the cam. This is a good thing for these cars, that are somewhat notorius for washing camshafts. Especially on initial startup and break-in.
They're about $75 for the set, directly from Crower's website.
PN: 66053-3 for a Buick V6.
http://www.crower.com/

 

[TurboDave]

Originally posted by 1970gsx
Turbodave, I never said they would work in a TR, just relaying my experience with them. That's what he asked for.

My appologies. I made a rash assumption that because we are on the Turbo Buick Tech forum, that maybe that's what he needed to know about.

 

[Clay Thompson]

1970 GSX cam size

Thanks for the feedback all, interesting reactions.

1970GSX -- http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1758690352 -- has a similar application to mine.

Maybe I should have been a little more specific about my application--a 500 Caddy motor with a 200 4R in a '64 Impala for the flying mile http://www.ecta-lsr.com/

Did not mean to upset the TR owners.

1970GSX, do you recall your cam specs? You have a 442, right?

Anyone with 500 Caddy experience?

 

[1970gsx]

1970GSX, do you recall your cam specs? You have a 442, right?

Clay, I have a 455 buick. The cam specs are as follows:

Lift: 490 int. , 490 ex.

Duration: 284 int. , 304 ex.

lobe center: 113

Center line: 109 int. , 117 ex.

 

[REDS HOT AIR]

i have played with them lifters...hate them for any other application other than a few circle track motors with lift laws...

if you need them in a street motor you have the wrong cam to start with.

 

[Clay Thompson]

Tech Info Where Ya Can Git IT

Hey Turbo Dave, I usually "stay" over on Transmission Talk 'cause I use the same trannie that comes in the TurboBuicks--best technical resource on the web for the 200 4R. I occasionally stray to another area since few of y'all just own a TR. Hmmm?

1970GSX--I almost went with the 455 but wanted those extra 45 cubic inches--greedy. I'm trying to do this flying mile on the cheap but the Caddy is about the most unpopular hotrod motor out there in terms of aftermarket parts. I see a lot more stuff for your motor and a lot more of your motors are "saved" at the salvage yards but I'm too far gone now to change.

Why don't some of y'all bring your TRs down to Maxton http://www.ecta-lsr.com/ , never seen one there. What do you reckon one would do in a mile?

 

[Robert Kastle]

I have the crane variable lifters with a crane cam and have no problems. The engine is just as quiet as my other car with the stock cam and lifters. The car with the variable lifters idles much smoother than the stock cam and lifter car. Why did I go with them? Those are what crane suggested with the turbo cam that I purchased. The system works good for me and I'm quit pleased. I have no problems with my knock sensor. In fact I run 16~17psi on the street (93octan)with a pitt bull chip and a power plate and have zero knock. The increase in vacume also allows for a larger swing in fuel presure , from vacume on and vacume off. Maybe I'm just Lucky!!