Tappet guide fitment

Fitment of early and late style guides

Bottom End (crankcases and crankshaft)
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Weston1955
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Tappet guide fitment

#1

Post by Weston1955 »

Hey guys, quick question. Can the early style 48-52 aluminum tappet guides be fitted to a 1955 fle motor with solid lifters? Just wondering if the oil feed holes in the cases would present any problems. I know for the later style blocks it’s recommended to plug the feed hole in the guide but I’m wondering about the oil feed styles in the tappet guides themselves. Thanks for your help
Doc37W
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Re: Tappet guide fitment

#2

Post by Doc37W »

You can use early tappet blocks in later engines.Early blocks with no oil holes will block the oil from the cases. Doc
Andygears
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Re: Tappet guide fitment

#3

Post by Andygears »

I think if you use the early style gaskets with no hole for hydraulics, then the oil stops there with the only effect a slight increase in oil pressure to the heads and lower end.

My two cents
Andygears
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Re: Tappet guide fitment

#4

Post by RUBONE »

It is no problem whatsoever. On one of my old strokers ('65 cases with a shovel top) I used all the aluminum I could. That included tappet guides, pushrod tubes, oil pump, etc. The cylinders were the only noticible iron on the outside other than screws and hardware.
Weston1955
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Re: Tappet guide fitment

#5

Post by Weston1955 »

Awesome. I truly appreciate all the help fellas. Can’t beat the look of original lifter blocks so I finally found a pair and will make the switch.
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