Cartridge
Roller Lifters
Our latest roller lifter innovation
About Jesel Cartridge Roller Lifters
Jesel’s Cartridge Style Roller Lifters represent the latest advancement in roller lifter technology, offering unprecedented versatility and durability for high performance engines. Designed for purpose built cast iron drag race blocks and billet aluminum blocks, these lifters provide engine builders with options never before available in the industry.
Superior Design for Extended Lifter Life
The Jesel Cartridge Lifter features a 1.000” diameter body with an impressive 1.220” diameter roller, guided by channels precisely machined into the lifter bushing. This larger roller not only rotates more slowly than traditional .850” rollers, but also reduces the pressure angle against the lifter, greatly extending its lifespan under high-stress conditions.
Robust Bronze Bushing Assembly
Each cartridge lifter uses a durable 1.312” bronze lifter bushing, secured by an adjustable aluminum collet bolted into the lifter valley. This assembly ensures stability while allowing for easy removal during block cleaning or in case of a rare lifter failure. The design allows quick replacement of the bushing, minimizing downtime and simplifying maintenance for engine builders.
Compatibility and Flexibility
Ideally suited for Jesel’s Clamshell Style Camshafts, these cartridge lifters are also compatible with conventional camshafts, providing flexibility across various engine setups. Their design, durability, and ease of installation make Jesel Cartridge Lifters an excellent choice for high-performance drag racing applications.
Features
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The Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating on the tool steel body minimizes friction and wear, enhancing durability and extending the service life of the lifter.
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Made from heat treated tool steel and then polished, providing exceptional strength and smooth operation under high stress conditions.
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A robust 1.000” diameter body provides increased stability and strength, engineered to handle the demands of high performance engines.
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Cam rollers feature precision-sorted proprietary needle bearings for smooth operation and reduced friction under high loads.
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A direct pressure-fed oiling system ensures that the axle assembly receives adequate lubrication, enhancing performance and longevity.
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Available with either on-center or .100” offset pushrod cup configurations, offering flexibility to optimize pushrod alignment based on engine setup.
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This lifter includes a removable bronze lifter bushing for easy maintenance and replacement, extending the component's lifespan and reducing engine downtime.
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Manufactured with exacting tolerances of .0002", each component is engineered for optimal fit and performance, ensuring consistent operation under extreme loads.
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Fully rebuildable to Jesel factory specifications through the Jesel CPR department.
Bushing Thread Pitch
The micrometer thread pitch machined into the collet and cartridge bushing allows for bushing height increments of .0125”
Specifications
Lifter Diameter
Roller Diameter
1.000”
1.220”
Oil flow should never be restricted to any Jesel Roller Lifter
Our Lifter Story
Roller lifters had been around for years, being used in various applications such as radial aircraft engines, but when a few progressive engine builders started adapting them to race engines, horsepower and rpm made a huge leap forward. Cam grinders began designing cam profiles with shorter durations and higher rates of lift than a traditional solid lifter could tolerate. The result was incredible power gains especially with the typical modified O.E. style cylinder heads of the day. As valvetrain loads escalated with more lift, rocker ratio and spring pressure, the roller lifter was overtaxed and suffered frequent failures.
People Sometimes Ask
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A roller lifter is a type of lifter that features a small roller on the bottom, reducing friction as it follows the camshaft lobes. This design allows for smoother operation and better high-RPM performance compared to flat tappet lifters. Jesel Roller Lifters use advanced materials and design to optimize performance and longevity.
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Yes, roller lifters offer significant advantages over flat tappet lifters, including reduced friction, improved durability, and better performance in high-RPM applications. Jesel Roller Lifters are designed for extreme racing conditions, providing superior valve control and longer service life.
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Tie-bars, keyways, or wheel-guided bushings keep roller lifters from spinning. A tie-bar connects two lifters, ensuring they stay aligned and do not rotate in the lifter bore. Keyway lifters use a hardened key that rides within an indexed slot, preventing rotation and maintaining precise alignment. For cartridge roller lifters, wheel-guided bushings are used to keep the lifters in place, preventing spinning while ensuring smooth operation.
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Unlike flat tappet lifters, roller lifters typically do not require a break-in period. However, proper installation and lubrication are critical to ensuring long-lasting performance. Jesel Roller Lifters are designed for durability and do not require the same break-in procedures as flat tappet lifters.
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No, roller lifters and solid lifter cams are designed differently, and using them interchangeably can lead to improper valve operation and engine damage. Always ensure compatibility between your lifters and camshaft for optimal performance.
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Solid roller lifters provide better performance at high RPMs, but they require regular valve lash adjustments. Hydraulic roller lifters are self-adjusting and more suited for street applications with less maintenance. Jesel Roller Lifters are available in solid configurations, making them ideal for racing applications that require maximum valve control.
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Solid body lifters offer superior performance at high RPMs compared to hydraulic lifters. They provide better valve control and stability, especially in racing applications where precise timing is critical. Solid lifters do not rely on hydraulic fluid, which can compress or "pump up" at high RPMs, potentially causing valve float. Jesel Roller Lifters are specifically engineered for extreme conditions, offering enhanced durability and precision, making them the preferred choice for racers seeking maximum power and control.
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Yes, roller lifters can improve horsepower over flat tappet lifters. Roller lifters reduce friction between the lifter and camshaft, allowing for more aggressive cam profiles that increase valve lift and duration. This leads to better airflow through the engine, which can result in an increase in horsepower.
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Yes, needle bearings in roller lifters are safe and highly effective when used in high performance applications. They significantly reduce friction between the roller and camshaft, allowing for smoother operation at high RPMs. Although engine builders and racers may have a preference for bushed rollers, Jesel does not currently offer bushed roller options on our Nitro-Alcohol roller lifters, which speaks to our confidence in the safety and effectiveness of our needle bearing rollers.
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That depends on what’s most important to you. Needle bearings are excellent at reducing friction, making them ideal for high-RPM performance. On the other hand, bronze bushed rollers offer additional durability and require less maintenance. Ultimately, the best option depends on your engine’s needs and the type of racing or application you’re using them for.