So I have my EV27 camshaft just waiting to go in over the winter. Before I start I want to be sure I have everything I'm going to need. I have not bought anything else, not even a nosecone gasket. I will get one sooner or later since thats a given, but what about the lifters? Are the stock 1996 Evo lifters (20K) a decent part or MUST they be replaced with the cam? If they have to be replaced, whats a good brand and what brands should I "never" put in my bike. School me guys since the last lifters I put in a bike were sifton solids and pumping them up was not an issue. The cam bearing thread got me thinking about this, so I figure thats an important first step.

Neil

 

Check lifters for wear(as well as the lifter blocks). If they check out, 20k is not bad at all. I've seen'em last 80k and up +/-

 

change the lifters better with a new cam and lifters go bad.

 

Yes, Harley "B'" or S&S lifters for peace of mind.

 

+1 and a new Torrington cam bearing too. Did mine a couple of weeks ago. New VT cam with my original gear pressed on, new S&S lifters, new Torrington and new SE chromemoly E-Z justs.

 

Absolutely change the lifters, usually around 25k so about time, they are also 10 plus years old. Buy a set of the Harley B lifters and forget about it.

 

I figured you guys would say check and replace. I just need to hear it for it to sink into my thick skull. I thought "B" lifters were twinkie lifters? Are they a direct Evo drop in? Anything I should know about them?

 

Well actually I should say the screaming eagle tappets with the larger roller bearings for an EVO. They run about $50 each around here.They are HD part #18568-98.

 

Ok enough already with the winter word.
I used the stock oem lifters, andrews quick installs and when the bottom end was done the bearing as well. Get yourself a piece of piano wire for holding the lifters up while you slide the cam in, which reminds me you'll need some cam shims for setting to correct end play as well as maybe a bigger smaller or bigger breather shim. You may also think about changing the lifter blocks but really the motor is just starting to come alive with that mileage.

 

Well, my local indy has a set of Sifton lifters, brand new he'll sell me for $159. Sounds like plenty guys have just reused to stockers with the small cams like the under .500 lift EV27's, but what the heck. Its not a ton of cash and I would constantly second guess myself if didn't do it. So now I'm set for the far far distant future when it gets cold enough for me to pull the motor apart.