Hydraulic Lifters for 2.0 Four, Hydraulic Lifters for 2.0 Four Options

[Roadsterman60]

Anybody out there had any experience with using hydraulic valve lifters (like those from Weber Camshafts) in a 914 2.0L four? This seems to me to be a good way to eliminate the hassle of manual valve adjustments on 914 four cylinder engines. All and any info greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[hydroliftin]

Hey 'Roadsterman60

As my screen name would suggest, I have been running hydraulic lifters (for the last 6 years). I am not handy working on cars, but I have had luck selecting parts and setups that work and finding the right mechanics to make it happen. When I purchased my 914 it had a 1.8 four, and I knew I wanted more power. I kept the 1.8 while I had a local machinist build a 2.0 liter for me on a used case with new Mahle cylinders, rods and pistons. Fuel is delivered by two Webbers and spark is from a Mallory Unilite.

When it came to selecting a cam and lifters, I read all the posts about how hydraulic lifters are junk, but I wanted the freedom from having to adjust the valves on a regular basis and I found one single post where a member had luck with Isky cams and lifters.

Now, my preferred driving in my 914 is very twisty back roads where speeds seldom exceed 50 mph. If I were racing the car or trying for top speed, maybe my choice would be different. Isky offered two options "power" or "torque." I chose the torque grind and bought the cam and lifters from Isky. This is not a time you want to mix and match.

I have been very happy with the results. My engine has been dynoed at 109 hp and 119 lb/ft at the rear wheels at 5000 rpm with a pretty flat torque band from 3200 rpm. For the kind of back road driving I enjoy the power is perfect. I don't need to rev it to 7000 to make peak power, 5000 is just fine for my application.

My advice is to make your own decision. There are a lot of strong opinions expressed on this board, but ultimately it is your choice how you want to build your engine.