Thread: Hydraulic Roller/Lifter combo?

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Hello All,

New to the Club and was looking for some advice/assistance. I am currently rebuilding my 390 FE and have gotten down to deciding on the cam. I have seen a few solid flat and solid roller choices, but have only been able to track down one hydraulic roller made by Crane. Now some of these questions may seem a little green, but I'll admit I still am such.
Even with a high volume oil pump will I have oiling problems using a hydraulic roller in my FE?

If I NEVER plan on rolling it onto the track, am I wasting my time with using a roller at all?
I have NO problem pulling of valve covers and adjusting valve lash every 3,000 miles or so, but if all I'm gonna do is stomp on it from one light to the next is there any benefit to solid vs. hydraulic roller?
On the Crane site, the following is noted on the hydraulic roller choice: "Will not fit factory Ford FE solid lifter engine blocks." What does that mean? Weren't ALL FE factory blocks solid lifter?

Bear in mind to an extent, money is not an issue. My ultimate goal is to create a complete drivetrain that will kick butt and be given to my son and hopefully his son one day. If Summit is any indicator, the Crane cam and lifters are within my price range. Here's a little about what I have done so far:

390 FE .030 over
SCAT rotating assembly: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SCA-1-94620-1/
Edel heads: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/EDL-60069/
Edel intake: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/EDL-7105/
HS roller rockers: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CSP-S4006BK/
CSR electric water pump, electric fan, and a March serpentine set-up.

I know some of this is probably a little overboard, but I'm just one of those who wants it there when he "needs" it. Your advice and expertise would be greatly appreciated.

Welcome to CHR Scott, sounds like a very nice FE you have going together... I believe most of the FE's were of the non-adjustable hydraulic flat tappet variety... either of the rollers would be good, as to oiling problems I'll have to defer that to some of the FE experts on CHR--Or, I'd suggest getting in touch with Barry at Survival Motorsports--one of the best FE builders around!!!

What's the engine going in once you get it all together????

Hello Scott,

Comp Cams makes a Hydraulic Roller setup for the FE. As Dave said, Barry R at Survival Motorsports is the person to talk to on cam selection. http://survivalmotorsports.com

Thanks for the info guys. I'll definately give Barry a call, always up for some expert advice. Oh and Dave it's getting dropped into a 1982 F-100 Stepside. It's gonna be my sleeper :-)

Sounds like a neat ride, Scott!!!! Post up some pics of how things are going on the project!!!

I've been running hydraulic rollers in FEs for quite a while - Comp used me as a development and marketing lead - we've about 22 grinds listed so far - not sure how many will hit the Comp catalog. Good parts for street runners, but a solid will still outperform them.

Factory solid lifter 427s had no oiling through the lifters - so any hydraulic will not work. The adjustable rockers are a must with solids and a darn good idea for hydraulics. I have done hydraulic rollers using non-adjustables and custom length pushrods - but its not an easy deal - you want to measure every valve for pushrod length since you have no adjustment capability...

You will not have any oiling problems with minor mods - nothing exotic.

If you're gonna stroke it you ought to consider going with a longer stroke - same cost and more cubes is always a winning deal. When we dyno the 445 inch versions we'll normally see 450-500HP and always hit 500TQ.