While I'm doing the EV27 cam installation, I plan to replace the hydraulic lifter tappets while I'm in there, along with tappet blocks and inner cam bearing. Also quick install pushrods (probably go with Screamin Eagle). The engine is mostly stock...

Should I upgrade to Screamin Eagle Tappets or go with an aftermarket brand? Are there any aftermarket brands to avoid? Recommendations welcome.

 

Most guys consider the regular Harley "B" lifters to be pretty good, I think it is 18523-86B

Price: $32.33 TAPPET LIFTER at Zanotti

http://shop.zanottimotor.com/search/node/18523-86B

 

pajoe got it why the lifter blocks?

 

From everything I've read, the H-D "B" lifter are perfectly adequate. V-Thunder lifters are less expensive - $150 or so for a set of 4. I have no experience with them, but I've read a number of positive comments about them.

In case you're interested... I run Velva-Touch lifters in Bertha, which have their own story and are fairly expensive - but no more so for the complete kit than JIMS lifters and blocks. They come in a kit with their own custom lifter blocks (chrome or black), chromoly adjustable pushrods, chrome pushrod covers, and a complete set of O-rings. They used to be manufactured by CompCams (V-Thunder), but there were some quality issues, and they are now made by a new company named B-M-O Products, that is part-owned by Vern Ott, who owns the original patent for them.

They are rather exotic and probably unnecessary for anything but a very high-performance engine - but they do perform very well. They run with very tight tolerances of .0002", whereas standard H-D lifters run .001", up to a .003" service limit. My experience with the V-T lifters is that they are very quiet in use. I can barely hear them, even with my ear very close to them. The V-T lifters, combined with the V-Thunder EVL-3010 cam I run, make for a very quiet cam chest indeed... even their chromoly pushrods don't seem to make any more sound than stock aluminum rods. Pretty much all I hear is the Ness Big Sucker sucking in air! And the open fishtails...

 

PaJoe, thanks for the part number on the B lifters.

Sqdeal, I'm changing out the oem lifter blocks for chrome ones. Dressing it up a bit.

NGHawg, thanks for the tip on Velva-touch.

 

$32.33 (each) at Zanotti was the best price for the 18523-86B lifters I found, some wanted almost $50.00 each. Zanotti isn't the easiest web site to order from but they are usually pretty good and pretty fast.

http://shop.zanottimotor.com/search/node/18523-86B

 

Anyone heard anything about these "street performer" tappets?

http://www.hdmaddog.com/Harley-David...-p3676423.html

 

You'll also want to purchase a set of lifter block alignment studs also.You can get by with one but I think two do a better job.

 

I read about 5 different posts on harleytechtalk.org concerning Maddog lifter quality by individuals that purchased them and 4 of the comments were very negative, only one said they were a worth while investment.

on edit: I would try Ultima lifters before using Maddog.

 

Thanks Pajoe, I went with the 18523-86B lifters and SE Quick Install pushrods (17987-98A).

MikeT, good advice on the lifter block alignment studs. Ebay is selling them cheap.