Rhodes or similar lifters??

[rustywag]

I did a search and haven't found any mention of anyone running variable duration lifters. I am going to do a cam intake and carb swap on my 87 G-Wag and am wondering if Rhodes lifters should be part of my plan. I'm currently running 29X9.50's with 3:31's and am looking for an increase in both MPG and performance. I know they make extra noise but I won't care if they help this sluggo 360. Here in MD I have to pass a smog check that doesn't involve a look under the hood and I am currently wavering between the Eldebrock cam and the (slightly hotter) Summit one. I am fairly certain I'll use Eldebrocks intake and carb but I have noted many here who weren't impressed with the performance gain of the associated cam. I'm wondering if the Summit one with a set of Rhodes lifters would make a good compromise that still passes the smog check.

[coolram]

I have Rhoads lifters in my Monte Carlo in my sig.If you go to a signifigantly hotter cam they make a difference at low rpm by bleeding down lowering duration then pumping up as rpm's climb.They also increase vaccuum over what you would get with the same cam w/standard hydraulic lifters at a given rpm.Iv'e driven a couple setup BBC to mine without the Rhoads and they do idle less smooth than mine.In a 360 unless you intend on going really wild IMHO I wouldn't think you need them.For the extra expense you could use the roller tip rocker arms(like Comp cams makes).Makes for less valve train wear and better rocker arms than stock.Having the heads cleaned up(3angle valve job,etc)would aslo do you better.Again that's my .02
Sorry for the length but I forgot on the extra noise the Rhoads sound similar to solid lifters.

[ October 23, 2002, 04:33 PM: Message edited by: coolram ]

[J20DAN]

I am doing a cam swap in my J20 360 and looked at the Rhoades lifters and decided they weren't worth the trouble for the cam I am using. I checked several sites and most said if the cam was not real wild stick with basic lifters. If you want something inbetween Crane makes variable duration lifters that are supposedly quieter than the Rhoads.

BTW I am using a Crower Baja Beast Cam. I was looking for more low end torque, not big HP (I am in MD also). I talked to the Crower techs and they said this would keep the mpg in line but give me more umph in the lower RPM range. The Edelbrock cam looks to be more for car applications for higher RPM useage/hp.

Dan

[J Series Trucks]

I am using Rhodes in my 455 Buick, particularly because I have a pretty stout cam-
224/236 duration and about 500 lift. I wanted the top end without an extremely lopey idle.
The noise isn't all that bothersome, especially if you are running headers and 3" exhaust like I am. In a stock-ish 360 even with a RV type cam or an Edlebrock Performer cam, I don't see the benefit- you are already drawing lots of vac, and have a fine idle with that type of cam. I DEFINITELY wouldn't use them on a nice cushy street Wag-all you'd hear is the light ticking sound of the Rhodes!

Brad Feick