Author Topic: Solid Lifter Conversion (Read 7812 times)

bar73k · « **on:** October 13, 2010, 04:18:14 AM »

I�m after a definite answer, someone who has done this

What lifters do i need to buy?

What issues are there with the conversion, if any?

I�m also installing Metric Mechanic turbo camshafts that apparently have 11.4mm lift on the intake side and 11.15mm lift on exhaust. Does this need to be taken into consideration? As opposed to Std, I think 10.2mm

Any info would be great

1991 E30 M42 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 13, 2010, 12:13:22 PM »

check out cat cams, they specify the use of their cc005 follower with their more radical cams

MLM · « **Reply #2 on:** October 13, 2010, 03:53:18 PM »

Also not on the Catcam site their info on valve spring coil collision and stem seal collision issues as springs may need to be purchased also for complete solution.

romkasponka · « **Reply #3 on:** October 14, 2010, 09:42:48 AM »

supertech vw lifters, valves, springs...

rob_e30 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 14, 2010, 11:09:51 AM »

You also need to consider how high you want to rev it. You can raise the RPM rate by upgrading the springs and raising the oil pressure. Metric Mechanic has some insight to share on this and you should think about giving them a call.

Letsplayskatch · « **Reply #5 on:** October 16, 2010, 07:57:11 PM »

I got springs and retainers with my cat cams kit (M44). Just call your catcams local dealer if in doubt.

bar73k · « **Reply #6 on:** October 16, 2010, 09:38:55 PM »

So here is what I have found so far:

These following sites sell the VW solid lifters:

(These guys don't say what the internal stem of the follower is)
http://www.crespocams.com/servlet/Detail?no=190

(These guys have a 14.7mm internal stem, requiring lash caps)
http://www.rosten-performance.com/

(I think these are also quite short requiring lash caps)
http://www.034motorsport.com/engine-components-audi-i5-10vturbo-lifter-solid-for-audivw-motors-p-629.html

(These guys sell camshafts and followers)
http://www.catcams.com/index.htm

Issues that I have read about while trawling though forums and numerous web sites:

Valve lengths, people have mentioned that in some cases in order to fit the solid lifter kit you need to install valves with longer stems. I believe this is so that when you have to shim the followers the shims are not too long/high which is another problem. The longer stems may also be needed to increase spring height to stop coil bind on more aggressive camshafts

Another issue that I noted are shims dislodging under very high revs, I�m guessing that this may happen if you have quite a tall shim

Rob: what are the issues with oil pressure under high revs? Oil starvation... simply because the oil pump cannot pump enough oil?

Coil bind is an issue that I�m not sure how to go about checking. I have two sets of springs to choose from (that I currently own)

New MM beehive springs = 72 Pounds (seat pressure)

Original BMW M42 springs = 92 Pounds (seat pressure)

Previously I have put the springs into a vice and the MM springs reach full compression about ~1.1mm before the STD springs do, and it seems that when I had the MM beehives in they were valve bouncing above about 17psi when the car was being tuned. So I�m yet to be convinced that they are any good for my application, I�m thinking that they are only good for NA motors.

So at the moment I have ordered solid lifters from Top End Performance, I have been buying bits and pieces from the for a while like gaskets, pistons so I thought I�d give them a go. They said they sell a few of these kits for the M42's so opting for their experience

If anyone has any more info or can explain some of the things I have mentioned please let me know