lifters for the 276/291

Discussion of the Early Dodge / DeSoto HEMIs.

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Spoons
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Jul 01, 2008 5:18 pm

lifters for the 276/291

Post by Spoons »

I just got my re-ground cam back from Clay Smith. Is it true you can use a 60's OEM lifter from a 318 as well as the valve springs and retainers??

Spoons
George
Posts: 692
Joined: Wed Aug 25, 2004 4:12 pm
Location: Fl

Re: lifters for the 276/291

Post by George »

Appaerantly the 318 will work, as well as the 361-413 early 60s BB lifter. Measure the seat pocket, then look in the catalogs for fit & pressure. Standard width 318/340 will fit a Chr, not sure about DeSoto.
polyspheric
Posts: 57
Joined: Wed Apr 09, 2008 1:03 pm

Re: lifters for the 276/291

Post by polyspheric »

AFAIK they're all .904" OD (same as modern).
Differences include:
1. height of the oil feed band (if the tappet gallery is uncovered during lift you have no oil pressure, if the band isn't fed hydraulics will never pump up)
2. overall height (critical if you have non-adjustable rockers), requires custom pushrods if it's off but otherwise fine - longer is better because it allows a shorter pushrod. I won't do the math, let's just say it's a big help even if it weighs more
3. pushrod socket design - the ball radius must match your pushrod, but you can get custom pushrods with you rocker end and any bottom
polyspheric
Posts: 57
Joined: Wed Apr 09, 2008 1:03 pm

Re: lifters for the 276/291

Post by polyspheric »

The retainer will depend on what your valve stem cut-out looks like, and your spring OD.
Probably OK, easy to check.
Spoons
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Jul 01, 2008 5:18 pm

Re: lifters for the 276/291

Post by Spoons »

Bought the custom adjustable pushrods from Smith Brothers...I see they are all( lifters) .904 Dia. I guess it depends on where the oiling hole is in the lifters.
I have the stock springs, keepers and retainers. I can use the retainers, keepers with the new springs???
George
Posts: 692
Joined: Wed Aug 25, 2004 4:12 pm
Location: Fl

Re: lifters for the 276/291

Post by George »

The stock stuff should be OK on stock valves. The OEM springs are dual springs, but both wound the same direction. In theory there is a possibilty of one getting pinched by the other. On my Chr 331 the spring pockets are 1.40". I used Comp Cams dual spring # 988.
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