Hey All. So I will be doing a stage 2 upgrade using S&S 475 cam with adjustable pushrods, new pushrod tubes, new cam bearing, tappet cuffs and the newest HD oil pump. Also installing a PV. Question is do I have to replace the lifters or can I reuse the OEM with no issues? Work is being done on a 2018 FXFBS with stage one upgrade including TBR Pro Comp-S and OEM air cleaner and HD tuner.

 

I would changed the lifters While I was in there as well as the lifter cuffs

https://www.sscycle.com/products/tap...-19-m8-models/

 

Thanks for the reply. I forgot to add that I did purchase tappet cuffs as well just not lifters. (Edited) I am penny pinching a bit on this build so was wondering if I did not get new lifters if it would create a problem or if they could be reused.

 

If the rollers on the lifters look good, you can reuse them. If they are frosted, they are no good.
This is bad. Should be like the small still polished area.

 

The best practice is always to install new lifters. The Cam and lifters break in together.
Feuling's HP+ lifters are 160$ for a set of 4. No reason really to skip out on doing the job right.
https://www.feulingparts.com/sku/4000

 

Certainly true of flat tappet cams and lifters. Rollers are much more forgiving.

Inspect them. If the rollers roll smooth, are not pitted, are not frosted, and are fairly low mileage I'd run them without hesitation. Indeed, I'd run the factory roller lifters way before I'd run those adjustable push rods, especially with stock valve springs.

 

I have seen a few comments about this and I am not understanding the problem with adjustable pushrods. I know most of the reputable companies like FM and S&S sell them but if using them is going to make my bike mechanically unsound I have worries. I would rather go the extra mile work/time wise if needed. Again the main reason I am asking about the lifters is I’m on a budget. If the consensus is replace them I will wait a bit longer to do the build and purchase them. Please advise.

 

Adjustable PR's add considerable weight over non adjustable PR's, and that extra weight must be controlled by the valve springs - which were designed for the lighter, non adjustable PR's. Add to that the more aggressive opening and closing ramps of after market cams, the valve springs need to deal with those too. At lower engine speeds the extra weight isn't such a big deal, at higher RPM's it might well be.

Over and above the weight, the adjustable PR's are, of course, a multi-piece design. Simply more to go wrong. One member recently posted his battle with the adjustable PR's.

 

If done correctly, they do the job. Now if you wish to pull the top end for perfection then you should do the jug upgrade. While you're at it, upgrade that oil pump too.
I like this site if I want to get serious:
https://suburbanharley.com/Parts-Cat...-Cylinder-Kits

BTW, stage two here and all SE on a '19 FLFBS, yes, even upgraded the oil pump.

 

I just did that exact upgrade don't stop short and save a dime on lifers do them to at the same time.