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Technical Flathead lifters

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by cuzncletus, Aug 28, 2017.

  1. cuzncletus
    Joined: Dec 1, 2006
    Posts: 86

    cuzncletus
    Member

    I'd like to hear good and bad stories on flathead lifters. I know there are some horror stories out there on Johnson style copies. There are several reputable companies that market Johnson style adjustables. I've also thought about going the original lifter route and just chucking the valves up in my lathe for fitting as I go. This is going to be on a mild street 258" 8ba.
     
  2. 302GMC
    Joined: Dec 15, 2005
    Posts: 7,856

    302GMC
    Member
    from Idaho

    If you use the Ford factory method of adjusting the valves, make sure the seats are ground at least to max width. Old timers used exhaust valves in all 16 holes.
    The last 3 of these engines I've had a hand in, the adjustable lifters were found on the interweb from a Ford tractor parts company for quite a bit less than the hot rod companies. If you use adjustables, remember to drill the block for a punch so you have a positive hold when setting them. The ''Johnson'' wrenches are useless.
     
  3. drtrcrV-8
    Joined: Jan 6, 2013
    Posts: 1,707

    drtrcrV-8
    Member

    While not "Johnson", TRW, in the Industrial/Commercial line, used to sell adjustable lifters that worked fine, especially for a street driven 'cruiser', although the engine that I had them in regularly turned up to 6K rpm, & I never had any problems with them. It had a Howards Cams recground cam & Isky valve springs. They were a lot cheaper than what was offered by the hotrod vendors!
     
    31hotrodguy likes this.
  4. dan31
    Joined: Jul 3, 2011
    Posts: 1,097

    dan31
    Member

    No problem with the speedway one for me and as 302gmc stated drill the holes cause the "wrenches" suck
     

  5. The original company Johnson is still in business and still sells the lifters...
     
  6. christmas tree
    Joined: Dec 7, 2009
    Posts: 344

    christmas tree
    Member

    First set of Johnsons 1961 13.00
     
  7. Go with the adjustable lifters. They work well and make it much easier to adjust the valves.
    I prefer the type with the open windows. They work better than the solid type which don't easily catch the pin inserted in the lifter bore holes you hopefully drilled to keep the lifters from spinning while you adjust each valve.
    If you find a set of old original Johnson's have them reground and hardened. With the flathead's relatively low valve spring pressure they will last a long time.
     

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