Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Hello fellow Packard friends,

I have my 327 inline 8 engine back from the machine shop where Kanters engine kit, that included new valves, solid lifters, springs, etc were installed.

I now see that a hydraulic valve lifter kit is available for sale from Kanter. I am seeing conflicting reports that the cam needs to match the type of lifters being used.
Since I have not finished rebuilding the engine, I can change the lifters if there is no problem with the cam now installed for the solid lifters.
Please give me your opinions. Thanks, Carl

Dear Carl:

I don't know anything like that in Packards. It shouldn't matter because the hydraulic lifter fits into the existing tappet.

However, Packard offered a plethora of oversized tappets because often tappet noise comes from worn lifter bores. That stuff is not available anymore.

For hydraulic you need to carefully read the repair manual because those lifters require a preload established via stem grinding.

Good luck with your car.

It would be easy enough to check the parts list to see if different camshafts are listed for mechanical and hydraulic lifters. Most certain that there is a different cam for hydraulic lifters. One should be able to use mechanical (adjustable) lifters with a hydraulic cam, but not hydraulic lifters with a mechanical cam.

(o{}o)

I believe there was a discussion here last year about the difference in cams. Perhaps someone remembers the thread. I personally have put solid lifters with the hydraulic cam to apparently no ill effect but not the other way around.