Solid lifter conversion
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Joined: Oct 2023
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From: Ontario Canada
Solid lifter conversion
Can someone recommend a quality conversion kit that uses stock pushrods and also a good quality set of stock replacement push rods. I know there is tons of choices but just looking for suggeestions from experienced users. This is for a 1971 74" with a J cam so I dont want to spend a ton of cash.
Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,161
Likes: 653
From: Potter County, PA
I had a set of those solid inserts that go in place of the hydraulic inserts in my stash for years. They were in an orange color blister pack. They were very inexpensive. I can't remember the manufacturer; this was before the Internet and China counterfeit junk. Well, a couple of years ago one of my hydraulics died. I walked to a friend's house and he gave me a ride to my house. I dug out those lifters and took one with me to make a quick repair as it was getting dark. The next day I put the other three in. The power increase was substantial! They did not require any other parts. They are still in and running great. I have not had to readjust since. I knew how to adjust solids from my older bikes. Look on ebay for new or used solid inserts.
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Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 62
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From: Ontario Canada
sbrike I run 2 other shovels with conversions both are different and both are origin unknown.I have had great luck with both other engines so looking to continue that trend with this one. More than anything I guess I need a decent reasonably priced stock set of push rods because I believe those conversion kits from Colony or whatever will all work with stock rods and also what is THE best valve stem seal?I would love a manufacturer and part number on this one.Thanks everyone.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
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From: Canada
I ended up using S&S in one bike after trying the Colony route. The S&S inserts went much further into the lifter body so they didn't move around in the lifter. Then I had another bike that it didn't matter what insert I ran it made noise so I threw them as far away from me as possible and put in hydraulics, problem solved.
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Joined: Oct 2023
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From: Ontario Canada
Yup S&S or Jims I guess about anything else is probably made you know where.I might put hydraulics in it later thats why I want stock pushrods. Swap meet this weekend you never know what you might find.
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Joined: Oct 2023
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From: Ontario Canada
Dug this out of the back of the shop today after a 10 year hibernation. The engine is blown so I might start a thread when I discover whats toast and do the engine again when I get to it if anybody is interested.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2022
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From: Florida
Sifton use to make some that I’ve run. They were good. I’ve been running (not conversions) solid sifton blocks and lifters in all the stockers I built for years. Wish you could still buy them. I still have a nos set stashed. Maybe you can find some on ebay?
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Joined: Oct 2023
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From: Ontario Canada
About 20 or so years ago I put a set of new Sifton blocks with hydraulics in a buddys 1970 because one of his original blocks was cracked.He supplied a Crane Fireball cam (cant remember the grind) but I remember it was a bolt in and I did the late model S&S oil pump conversion at the same time(correct drilling) This combination is still running today and I remeber the blocks and lifters were really nice.
Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,161
Likes: 653
From: Potter County, PA
Check out Ebay item # 134442377786 Those are just about exactly what I used. I did not change anything from the stock O.E.M. hydraulic valve train except putting in these solid insert adapters for the hydraulic units.
