Lifters for GT-40

Hello guys,

Need your expertise here!!! I own a Ski Nautique OB from 1995 with a Ford EFI GT-40 engine (351W I suppose).

I need to replace my lifters and I'm having some problems figuring what's the right part.

I know that the original lifters are hydraulic flat tappet lifters. Here is a picture of the original lifters:


A seller from summit is recomending these lifters: Howards Cams 91212

But I think the right ones are these: Clevite 2131667

Can anyone help?

Does it hurt anything to put a new lifter on an older cam? Just wondering because they always talk about keeping lifters in order if you remove them etc. so they go back on the same place on the cam.

Gary in the old days they used to re grind lifters. In the new throw away society we replace as the replacement cost is less than the labour to repair.

Hi guys, thanks for your inputs.

MrMcD, do I have a small block Ford in my Ford GT-40? At the moment I will have to choose one out of these two:
- CLE-2131667 (this one specifically states the 351W engine);
- SUM-HT900 (this one refers Ford)

Will these both work?

I'm sort of curious, why are you replacing lifters?

I wanted to point out some important things about the break in process.

Buy some engine assembly lube and put a generous amount on the flat surface of the lifter that contacts the cam. Good lubrication is very important. For this reason, you want to get the engine started and up to 2000 RPM as soon as possible. Be careful to get the distributor in a position where the engine will start and run. You can always fine tune the timing after the break in period. Do everything you can to avoid excessive cranking and stalls.

There are different opinions on what to do during the break in period. Some say to vary the RPM between 3000 and 2000 RPM for 20 minutes. Some say its a waste of time, and to just keep it at steady anywhere between 3000 and 2000 for 20 minutes.

Make sure to change the oil and put a zinc (ZDDP) additive in the oil before the break in process. There are many available, just go to the parts store, pick one and follow the instructions. I actually use one of these products for all my oil changes (engines with flat tappet cams). Todays oils have less zinc in them than they did in the early 90's. Roller cams don't need as much zinc.

This is important! You could damage the camshaft if you aren't careful.

mamigacz thanks for the input. I will guarantee that my mechanic follows that procedure.

Gary S thank you. And yes you cant imagine how expensive it is to import these parts... On the top of the price you have there I must add S&H fees (latest order from summit by DHL cost 85$), then add 23% for customs and then 75$ plus for DHL customs clearance fees... It's crazy...