Can a Hipo engine take a Hyd Cam?

caharmon_old · July 14, 2007 at 12:26 AM

Hi:

I found what looks like a very nice 64 K code Fairlane 4-speed. I have only seen photo's so far, and I have yet to physically examine the car.

However, something I need clarified please. I had been led to believe that a 271 hipo engine cannot run a hydraulic cam because of the oiling system in the block. The owner of the car I'm thinking about says that he changed the cam to a hydraulic. He claims that it has the same spec's as the actual solid lifter stick.

I don't know that much about these engines, and I won't buy the car if it has a regular 289 in it. Also, what else do I need to look for. I don't think that he'll let me pull a valve cover.

Thanks for your help.

Cliff

BoS_old · July 14, 2007 at 2:31 AM

Hi Cliff,

As far as I know, you can use a hydralic

cam in a HiPo block, if you haven't

inserted cam oil restriction plugs in the

gallery. I have those in one of my HiPo

engines. How to identify a HiPo engine can

be found in a couple of books, Bob Mannel's

f.ex. You can also use the search function

on this site and get the information.

Good luck,

/Bo

63Kcode_old · July 14, 2007 at 7:32 AM

BoS is correct. Hipo blocks are the same as other 289s. I believe some 427s don't have oil passages for hyd. lifters.

Larry

BMaloof_old · July 14, 2007 at 10:12 AM

All 260, 289. 302 blocks have provisions to use hyd. lifters. The only engines that are not drilled for hyd. lifters are some FE fords including 390 hipo engines and a lot of 406 and 427's. They oil through the heads and oiling through the pushrod is not an option on FE engines.

CharlesTurner · July 14, 2007 at 5:15 PM

Yes, hydraulic lifters are perfectly fine. If you use them with a set of Magnum roller tip rockers, it will sound just like it has solid lifters!

289tr4_old · July 15, 2007 at 9:55 AM

Needless to say, always use new lifters and break-in lube with your new cam and don't use solid lifters with a hydraulic cam or visa-versa.

There used to be a C9 Hydraulic cam in the Ford Muscle Parts (circa 1970) Catalog. It was supposed to have similar power characteristics as the HIPO 289 cam without the clatter and maintenance requirements (setting lash) of the real HIPO 289 cam. However it was essentially done at 5500RPM whereas the Hipo 289 cam will run to 6000 RPM. I think the old Hydraulic Ford Marine Cam and early 5.0 Cam 1982? had a similar profile. Check the firing order for your specific cam.

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