Why don't more people use a solid roller lifter camshaft/lifter setup?

I understand the benefits of a hydraulic just fine, but isn't there a performance benefit to running a solid?

 

With a solid you can usually rev the engine higher, which can make more power. They also tend to have really agressive lobes, which can lead to more power.

People don't generally run them, because the lash has to be adjusted periodically. That requires switching to an adjustable valve train. Plus changing lifters it a PITA, because you have to remove the heads. Solids tend to be really hard on springs. Most of the trucks if not all on this site are street and/or daily driven, which would make running a solid more difficult.

 

Once you swapped out the required valvetrain, it'd just be a periodic adjustment then?
yes? What is it these days, every 5-6k? I wouldn't be totally turned off to a solid lifter set up if that was the case. hmmm.

 

I don't know about the LS based engines but I know first gen camaro guys that ran the entire power tour, and checked the lash and it didn't budge. It used to be about every 3-4000miles, but with the new polylocks and what not, I hear about people checking them at 5000miles and finding it wasn't even off. I think these are solid flat tappet cams though.....a roller shouldn't be much different if not better.

 

Would the solid lifters create more valvetrain noise and create KR issues? (sorry, all I can think about is KR since cam swap Monday)

 

You got it!!! I read in LS1/LS6 Performance that the solid rollers, and the lash required creates more noise and the knock sensors need to be "desensatized". It says this is no biggie with a NA engine, but with FI it could get dangerous....obviously. It also said that if you can change your spark plugs, then you can adjust the lash too.