PRI 2015: Isky Goes Needle-free With New EZ-Roll Lifters

Needle-bearing roller lifters work great; that is, until the lifter breaks and all those needles scatter. The resulting shrapnel then ends up in the oil system with potential damage throughout the engine.

“The weakpoint of the roller lifter has always been the needle bearings,” explains Nolan Jamora of Isky Racing Cams.

Here’s a closeup of the Isky EZ-Roll lifter. Note the solid bushing that provides a greater surface area to spread the load. In actual operation, there is no mechanical surface contact as the roller will ride on a film of oil.

Countering this potential disaster is the EZ-Roll Lifter from Isky that is needle free. Isky’s proprietary solid bearing can carry a greater load and provides more surface area for load distribution. Two models are available: EZ-RollX and EZ-RollMax. The former is suited for offshore marine and other normally aspirated engines with open spring pressures up to 1,100 pounds and 900 pounds if running nitrous. The EZ-RollMax uses an upgraded solid bearing material and is recommended in .842, .904 and .937-inch applications, especially those with over 400 pounds seat pressure and 1,100 to 1,400 open valve-spring pressure.

Here’s a closeup comparison of the Isky EZ-Roll bearing and a traditional needle bearing. The EZ-Roll will run with engines utilizing oil restrictors.

Isky also offers hydraulic roller lifters with both needle HPx and needle-free HPx-EZ-Roll versions. There is an approximate 30 percent price premium for the needle-free lifters, but in the long run they can save money.

“The solid bearing is much stronger and can last four times longer,” says Jamora. “We had one engine builder with 100 grand in his engine, and a lifter broke. All he had to do was replace the cam and two lifters.”

The EZ-Roll lifters are available for most popular applications, including motorcycles, in standard and lightweight versions, and some are available with pushrod offset.

Article Sources

About the author

Mike Magda

Mike Magda is a veteran automotive writer with credits in publications such as Racecar Engineering, Hot Rod, Engine Technology International, Motor Trend, Automobile, Automotive Testing Technology and Professional Motorsport World.
Read My Articles

Hot Rods and Muscle Cars in your inbox.

Build your own custom newsletter with the content you love from Street Muscle, directly to your inbox, absolutely FREE!

Free WordPress Themes
Street Muscle NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

streetmusclemag

We'll send you the most interesting Street Muscle articles, news, car features, and videos every week.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

Street Muscle NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

streetmusclemag

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...


fordmuscle
Classic Ford Performance
dragzine
Drag Racing
chevyhardcore
Classic Chevy Magazine

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...

  • fordmuscle Classic Ford Performance
  • dragzine Drag Racing
  • chevyhardcore Classic Chevy Magazine

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

streetmusclemag

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Street Muscle - The Ultimate Muscle Car Magazine

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Loading