I am rebuilding the top half of a 502 Gen. 6, engine would it be wise to reuse the stock GM roller lifters with a new roller cam.

I would just for peace of mind. Bad things happen when they break. Real Bad. A friend had one fail and his bill was more than I have in my boat.

Depends on the hours and your technicall ability, you can clean and reuse them, if you know how to dissasemble and inspect them.

Is it worth saving $500 for piece of mind?

Upgrade

The new cam will put more force on the rockers.
(I am guessing you are going to a bigger cam)

Also make sure your valve springs can handle a
higher lift cam without binding.

Oh, I forgot. If you are using a high lift cam. I think they classify it at over.600, you have to use a special roller lifter in a Gen VI engine.

You should check with Merc, and find out the specifics before you make your desicion, and if you decide to purchase so you get the right one.

Check your springs for coil bind also.

Good luck with your project.

Ken N -------------
NO, the hydraulic roller lifters by GM have poorly engineered blenders. There is no need for cleaning and re-assembly. Tests on the dyno (multiple) show that the GM lifter start to loose integrity at 3200 RPM. Use the CRANE 16535.

What cam are you intending to use? Do you have a MFG grind number?

You will also have to use the original dog bones and spider from your motor with the Crane lifters. It is what I use as well.

Dave

what are the doge bones and spiders

a dog bone is a cast component that keeps the lifter from rotating much like the tie bars on typical roller lifters only they eliminate the physical connection between the lifters. There is one located between each par of lifters per cylinder.

The spider is a stamped spring steel device that bolts into the valley holding the dog bones in place.

They are very common in todays roller engines...

Ford started using them in the mid-eighties on the 5.0

When you take the intake off you will see.

Stop by Wicked Marine in Brick and get some Morels from Jay. Fully rebuildable, made for marine applications.