[Tom63LeMans]

I'm prepping a 400 block for my gasser and looking at lifter bore braces. I used the SD Perf Mega Brace in my current engine and would use the same if they were available.

Looking for suggestions from those that have used other braces. I'm running a hydraulic roller currently with Crower mechanical lifters. It's small enough that a brace shouldn't be required but eliminates one of the things that keep me up at night.

Thanks.
Tom

[misterp266]

Here’s a link to Kristinn’s Big Brace.

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/....php?t=836832/

[grandam1979]

Butler doesn’t show them not available?

[steve25]

So does Crower say it’s safe to use there solid roller lifters on a hydro cam that does not have the needed ramps to take up lash?

[Jay S]

Both KRE and Bulter’s offer lifter braces. Butler’s is a SDP brace.

[Stan Weiss]

Originally Posted by steve25

So does Crower say it’s safe to use there solid roller lifters on a hydro cam that does not have the needed ramps to take up lash?

Steve,
The ramp design is what determines what the lash needs to be. Hydraulic cams do have ramps, they are just very short / small and so that is why the need for a very small lash when running solids on a hydraulic cam. Back in the late '60s I ran an Engle solid roller cam in a SBC where Engle wanted the lash set at 0.012" I and 0.014" E.

Stan

[Tom63LeMans]

Originally Posted by Jay S

Both KRE and Bulter’s offer lifter braces. Butler’s is a SDP brace.

I called them today and they do not have any. They said they expect some soon but according to Dave Bisshop’s last update on his webpage they are not operating yet

[Tom63LeMans]

Originally Posted by misterp266

Here’s a link to Kristinn’s Big Brace.

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/....php?t=836832/

Those look great but were designed around 48**** 70s blocks. Mine is a '67 block.

Thanks

[Tom63LeMans]

Originally Posted by steve25

So does Crower say it’s safe to use there solid roller lifters on a hydro cam that does not have the needed ramps to take up lash?

This setup was recommended to me by Dave at SD. I've been running his Old Faithful cam in my Lemans with Hippo lifters setting lash at .004-.006 cold with no issues for 7 years. Running the same on my '56 with a custom grind from him.

[grandam1979]

Originally Posted by Tom63LeMans

Those look great but were designed around 48**** 70s blocks. Mine is a '67 block.

Thanks

1967 lifter bore area is different than 68 up ?

[Scott Stoneburg]

In my experience, any brace needs to be custom fit to the lifter bores. I have the SD brace installed on my 474, I had to grind the brace to fit snug on the lifter bores. This is due to core shift amount blocks. So the one designed for a 67 block, would need the same treatment to fit snug. Nothing unusual I think

[Tom63LeMans]

From the person that makes them. They did post the were working on a brace for the earlier blocks but last update was a year ago. I’ll try to find out.

“Originally Posted by catc
View Post
Curious seeing how you state these are designed for the 988 block , what are your thoughts on a 9779914 block..would there be that much difference?

The 48xxxx castings have different contours/shape compared to the earlier 97xxxxx blocks. I’m planing on doing braces for the 97xxxxx blocks but have not had time yet.

It would be too much hack and triple amount of epoxy to put the current ones in the early blocks

Kris.”

[BILL BOWMAN1]

I have used the KRE brace with solid roller.. 270ish @ .050 .700
50+ 9 second runs without issue.

[blueghoast]

Originally Posted by Scott Stoneburg

In my experience, any brace needs to be custom fit to the lifter bores. I have the SD brace installed on my 474, I had to grind the brace to fit snug on the lifter bores. This is due to core shift amount blocks. So the one designed for a 67 block, would need the same treatment to fit snug. Nothing unusual I think

X2
All the braces have to be fitted. I had to with all the one's I used even the
billet brace.

GT

[Tom63LeMans]

Originally Posted by blueghoast

X2
All the braces have to be fitted. I had to with all the one's I used even the
billet brace.

GT

I realize that they all need some work to fit. I had to do a decent amount to my Mega brace. But when the manufacturer recommends against using theirs, I’ll look for a different option.
Thanks

[RUDOLFSSON]

Thanks for the interest guys ... I haven't really put any weight behind these since I don't have my own cnc equipment ... yet
... and most certainly didn't want to take advantage of Sd performance misfortunes.

Yes the #97XXX version is in the works ... along with doing these in steel as it would be the superior solution according to my findings, bonding and movement.

Thanks,
Kris

[VCho455]

I talked with Dave (SD Performance) yesterday (2/22/24) and he had shipped the standard braces a while back to Butler and they should be in stock.

Dave also stated that he had just that day shipped Deluxe braces to Butler so theoretically they should be available late next week.

[Tom63LeMans]

Butler said they had some coming. I ordered 2 sets and they were delivered this week.