1953 331 Hemi Tappet Choices

My engine has the flat valve type integral design hydraulic tappet installed, the same year they made two ball check design tappets also.

I have been given a new old stock box of the ball check design tappets. Is there any reason that I can not replace my Intregral faulty tappet with one of the "removable" ball check units? They seem to have the same overall length, motion with only a difference in the number of oil grooves and groove locations.

Thanks for assistance,

Charles

The 51-53 tappet was a 2 piece design with a removable insert. This will not interchange with the newer one piece because the older one is taller.

You could use them if you bought new pushrods but why bother? If money is that tight just buy one lifter to replace the broken one, under $10 bucks.

If you can afford it, it might be a good idea to replace all the lifters, simply because lifters tend to get tappy after a while especially when the engine is cold. So if you were going to replace them, now would be he time (while you have the engine apart anyway).

And be sure to use the special assembly lube or breakin lube on the new lifters. You don't want to take a chance on damaging your cam. It's not likely you would but why take chances?