Flathead adjustable lifters
 

I was just wondering whether anyone out there has had experience of fitting adjustable lifters in the flathead V8? Point being that last time I did this job I had use of a Black and decker valvemaster which made the job easier, but everytime you ground the valve and seat you had a long and drawn out job to then grind the stem to the correct clearance for the tappets. It seems a good idea to fit these but maybe its a gimmick and once my job is done, its not as though I will be doing it every other months.........i hope!

Adjustable Lifters
 

Check the lifters used in Ford 8n-9n tractor engines, which are adjustable. A hole can be drilled in the block's lifter bore that allows a pin to be inserted to keep the lifter from rotating, while a thin wrench is used to turn the adjuster bolt on the lifter for proper lash.Certainly alot handier than the old way !
Kirk Armitage

the only thing with adjustable items like you mention is the worry of something vibrating loose and screwing the engine up, perhaps i am neurotic about these things but it would always be in the back of my mind having built numerous high performance engines for rally cross i am somewhat a fanickerty pain in the date when it comes to these things have blown up more money than i should ever have been allowed too. plus personally if holes are to be drilled in the block would put me off a tad..... ideal if your engine is already in bits on the bench of course :D

Good advice. To be honest, I am being a bit lasy but now I have stripped the engine all but the valves, I think I will do it as it was done originally. It may well be that as the engine had little use since I last ground the valves and set the tappets all it needs is a relap which is not a big job. Just awaiting me finding the tools to take out the valves. I have just taken out the crank and the front two mains were down to the copper, so it is just as well I did this. The shells have Ford USA T and 0. I assume, please tell me if I am wrong that this means standard? thanks for the comments and advice.

Re adjustable tappets for Ford V8
 

There are 2 types of adjustable tappets redily available, One type has an adjustable screw and a locknut but requires special spanners to get to the end ones, the type I used required drilling the block into the camfolower bore. I used a drill with a right angle head which made the job a lot easier. I have since done the valves on an engine for my carrier. It took more than a day to do them as the valve machine was 1/2 a km away. Next time I will fit a set of adjustibles! they are available from outlets here in Aus. John

The adjustable lifters for a flattie are foolproof. They're a lot easier to adjust than the other way and never give any trouble.