What is the benefit of solid lifters?

[drystack]

I'm looking at a 993 with a 3.8 RS spec motor. The seller mentions that it has solid lifters. I remember old V8s moving away from these to hyd. units to ease maint. and noise. Has Porsche always used solid lifters, and if not, when did they switch and what would be the benefit to this motor?

Thank you, I'll get back to my archive searching now

[efhughes3]

Originally Posted by drystack

I'm looking at a 993 with a 3.8 RS spec motor. The seller mentions that it has solid lifters. I remember old V8s moving away from these to hyd. units to ease maint. and noise. Has Porsche always used solid lifters, and if not, when did they switch and what would be the benefit to this motor?

Thank you, I'll get back to my archive searching now

The benefit of solid lifters is precision valve movement. The downside is the need for periodic adjustments. I'm guessing this is a function of the RS spec? I think the stock 993's have hydraulic valve adjustment.

[Eagledriver]

I don't think there is an advantage in this situation. If you have solid lifters you will need to do valve adjustments just like on an older 911.

-Andy

[rcwaldo]

One advantage is for engines that are built for high RPM operation.

IIRC, the RS spec 993 is hydraulic like the production cars. I think the RSR engines got the mechanical rocker arms.

[MatthewBrum]

I believe that solid lifters are lighter in most cases, allowing for increased rpm.