Got a quick question,

Is our lifter supposed to be convex on the camshaft side? Mines are all flat.

Thanks in advance,

kkid

All the parts ive seen have been flat.

Oem lifters are slighty convex.
When two new lifters are held together they should rock, not sit flat.
If used lifters are held together and they don't rock - they are worn out.

flat or concave they are done.

Same here, they all must be 40+ yrs old.

Thanks Chris for clarifying this.
Haynes and above mentioned reason made me confused.

How about the aftermarket lifters like this Scat lifters? http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/SuperC...L_pg2.htm#item5

Can I use these if the cam lobes are clean with no damage?

Crown radius dictates lifter surface speed, which is directly related to point loading, and ultimately, wear.

If I find a concave lifter, does this mean the lobe is done too? It's very hard to see the condition in the cave even with a strong light. So I might wanna split the case to make sure.
Thanks!

Generally speaking, the cam and lifters have to be properly matched at time of installation.
For instance, its not safe to install new lifters to go up against a used camshaft, or vice versa new cam/used lifters.

I know I'm going to get shit for this one

Being a cheap Canadian I've reused stock cams many times without ill effects. Damage to the cam is often obvious, pitting, scoring and it can wear a divot into the cam. Measure the lobes they should be close to the same. I measure on V blocks/dial indicator for runout on the center bearing surface. Polish with 800 grit paper and I'd use new OE german lifters.

But I haven't done this in at least 10+ years because to me it's no longer worth taking the chance.




BTW I do have a mystery cam, aftermarket bolt on, no grind numbers and no history, looks close to stock with matching and order numbered good lifters.
Came out of a engine that was supposed to be rebuilt, but some idiot power washed it and the cylinders were full of water.

Not matching the cam and lifters is a risk not worth taking IMHO.

Thanks guys for the inputs.
So I change either whole thing(cam and lifters) or nothing.
As being cheap I might wanna change nothing this time then I don't have to split the case. But there is another reason why I might wanna open the case. I see slight oil leak from the mating surface on the bottom so I thought resealing is a cure.