Hey guys,
I am new around here, since i own a B-body i am mostly active on FBBO, but i have been looking here on this forum and have found plenty useful information around here.
Now i would like to raise a question some of you might be able to answer, or have experience regarding variable hydraulic lifters.
I own a '69 Coronet with a 440 engine and 727 auto tranny.
The engine has a Hughes Engines hydr. FT camshaft, HE3844BL, 238/244 @ .050" with .572"/.576" lift. (283/291* @ .008")
This cam is obviously not a street cam but this is how i bought the car.
While avoiding to change the whole engine setup i want to make it a bit more street friendly, and i was thinking variable hydraulic lifters could help me out.
I've come across the Hughes Engines variable lifters HUG 5003 and also read a lot of things about the Rhoads V-Pro street variable lifters.
Now at idle i have 5-6"Hg vacuum and obviously idle quality is not that great.
The engine has flat top pistons, 906 heads and compression is about 10.25 - 10.5 with a cranking pressure of about 160 psi.
Anyone here has any experience with variable hydraulic lifters? And does it help to reduce the lift and duration at idle to obtain a better idle quality and vacuum?
I did notice people mention they are noisy, my engine has around 50-60# oil pressure during driving and 40# is the lowest i've seen at idle.
Currently i am using 20W50 oil, and the Hughes Engine lifters state to not use any heavier oil than 10W30. (Rhoads does not mention any oil viscosity requirements for their lifter)
So if i had to swap to a different viscosity i will loose some pressure i think.
I am using a new HV Melling oil pump but wonder would a HP pump be a requirement?
The car is not used for racing/strip purposes, i want to use it as a hot street car
If you have any experience with these type lifters i would like to hear your experience with them if they help in improving idle quality.
