Roller Guided


Roller Lifters

For the most aggressive cam profiles

About Jesel Roller Guided Roller Lifters

The Jesel Roller Guided Lifter is a streamlined alternative to our Cartridge Lifter, designed to offer high-performance benefits while accommodating the largest possible roller diameter in engines with bushing size limitations. Unlike conventional lifters, where roller size is limited by the lifter body diameter, the Jesel Roller Guided Lifter allows for a roller larger in diameter than the lifter body. For example, our .937” Keyway or Tie-Bar lifters can fit up to a .850” diameter roller, whereas the Roller Guided Lifter is capable of using a .975” diameter roller.

Benefits of a Larger Diameter Roller
Using a larger diameter roller provides several key advantages for high-performance applications. A larger roller has a greater cross-sectional area, making it inherently stronger and better suited for demanding racing environments. Additionally, larger rollers rotate more slowly, which helps increase needle bearing and axle lifespan, resulting in greater durability. The reduced pressure angle against the cam lobe also allows for the use of more aggressive cam profiles, further enhancing engine performance.

Easy Installation with Unique Bronze Bushings
Jesel Roller Guided Lifters are designed with a unique bronze bushing that includes an internal channel, guiding the roller with precision while reducing wear on both the lifter and cam lobe. Unlike our Keyway Bushings, these bronze bushings do not require specialized tools. They are easily pressed into the engine block and finish-honed to size, simplifying installation for engine builders and improving compatibility with a range of high-performance racing engines.

Note: Jesel Roller Guided Lifters will only work within certain block / cam parameters. Please contact Jesel Technical Department for further details.

Features

  • 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.

  • Made from heat treated tool steel and then polished, providing exceptional strength and smooth operation under high stress conditions.

  • Choose from multiple diameters to ensure compatibility with a wide range of engine builds and performance requirements.

  • Cam rollers feature precision-sorted proprietary needle bearings for smooth operation and reduced friction under high loads.

  • A direct pressure-fed oiling system ensures that the axle assembly receives adequate lubrication, enhancing performance and longevity.

  • Available with either on-center or .100” offset pushrod cup configurations, offering flexibility to optimize pushrod alignment based on engine setup.

  • Manufactured with exacting tolerances of .0002", each component is engineered for optimal fit and performance, ensuring consistent operation under extreme loads.

  • Fully rebuildable to Jesel factory specifications through the Jesel CPR department.

Specifications

Lifter Diameter

Roller Diameter

.842”

.875”

.875”

.925”

.937”

.975”

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.

Read more…

People Sometimes Ask

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.