Sportsman Tie-Bar
Roller Lifters
High Quality. High Value. Lower Cost.
About Jesel Sportsman Tie-Bar Roller Lifters
Jesel’s Sportsman Series Tie-Bar Lifters offer the exceptional quality and durability that Jesel is known for, now at a more affordable price point. Engineered for a variety of applications, from mild drag engines and street/strip builds to pleasure boats and circle track racing, these lifters deliver the bulletproof performance you need.
Superior Construction and Materials
Jesel Sportsman tie-bar lifters feature a polished version of the same 8620 heat treated body used in our Pro Series line, assembled with bronze bushing cam rollers. These lifters share the same high quality components as the Pro Series, including the roller, axle, tie-bar, and hardware, ensuring reliable and consistent performance.
Extensive Durability Testing
Jesel’s bronze bushings have been rigorously tested for durability through hundreds of torturous dyno pulls and over a million cycles on our in-house Spintron. The direct pressure-fed oiling circuit ensures that the bushings receive adequate lubrication throughout the lifter's travel cycle, enhancing longevity and reliability.
Versatile Applications
Designed for select OE and aftermarket applications, Jesel Sportsman Series Tie-Bar Lifters are available in a range of lifter body diameters from .842” to .905”. They can be configured with either offset or on-center pushrod seats, making them suitable for a wide variety of engine builds.
Performance and Reliability
Jesel Sportsman Series Tie-Bar Lifters are engineered to provide stable and durable performance in high RPM environments. Their robust construction and precision engineering make them a top choice for racers seeking reliable and efficient valvetrain components.
Features
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Made from heat treated and REM polished 8620 steel, providing exceptional strength and durability for high-performance applications.
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A high strength, heat treated stainless steel tie-bar provides durability and stability, secured with tool steel nuts for enhanced reliability under extreme conditions
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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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Available in multiple diameters to ensure compatibility with a wide range of engine builds and applications.
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Cam rollers feature a pressure fed bronze bushings ensuring smooth operation and ease of maintenance.
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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 offset or on-center pushrod seats, these lifters offer flexibility to match various engine configurations and optimize performance.
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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.
Sportsman Tie-Bar Applications
.842” / .875 / .905” SBC
.842” / .875 / .905” BBC
.842” and .905” GM LS Gen3
.875” and .905” SBF
.875” and .905” BBF
.905” BB Chrysler
.842” and .905” Viper
Specifications
Lifter Diameter
Roller Diameter
.842”
.760”
.875”
.760”
.905”
.820”
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.