Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines 235 Hydraulic Lifters

I am in process of having a shop freshen up a 62 235 with reground crank, pistons, etc. and the subject of a cam choice came up. I was planning on a moderate hydraulic cam but noticed in Patrick's latest catalog, that hydraulics are not available. The reason stated is that Patrick knows of NO satisfactory hydraulic lifters in current production. As such, only solid cams and lifters are offered. Has anyone run into this situation? I really want the hydraulic experience. Thanks in advance for replying.

Dear Mr. Sherman;

Those lifters weren't any good, even when they were new (by GM) in the 50s.

Today lifters for the 'older' engines often are Mfg. 'offshore' and NOT worth the gamble.

The flat tappet cams are the best for that era engines and he sell good ones too.

Good luck.

Not disagreeing with JHM or Patrick's, but to let you know that Clifford,an INLINER advertiser, still sells a cam and hydraulic kit. I've run one for a few years now without complaints. www.cliffordperformance.com

Or find an old original hydraulic cam and have it reground and the hydraulic lifters resurfaced.

Been running hydraulic lifters on my 1962 235 daily for 12 years now, without any issues whatsoever.
Keeps everything quiet and you never have to adjust anything after initial setup.
A few years ago, I found NOS ones for less than new solid lifters.

The later 235 engines used a different style of hydraulic lifters and oil supply than the earlier ones, which were notorious for having problems.

Just keep looking, there are hundreds of NOS hydraulic lifters in storage around the country.
Just gotta be patient and persistent, when rebuilding old cars and trucks.

I went with a mild re-grind and solids for my new 261, for no other reason but because 261s used solids stock.