69 427/390 lifter part number

[Gary H.]

Does anyone know the GM part number on the 427/390 lifters used in a 69?

Gary

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 427/390 lifter part number

Does anyone know the GM part number on the 427/390 lifters used in a 69?

Gary

Gary-------


It was GM #5232660. That part was discontinued in March, 1971 and replaced by GM #5232700. The latter was discontinued in July, 1983 and replaced by GM #5232720 which remains available to this very day.

[Gary H.]

Re: 69 427/390 lifter part number

Thank you.

Do you think there are any differences between the lifters?

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 427/390 lifter part number

Thank you.

Do you think there are any differences between the lifters?

Gary------


There's no doubt there are some differences between them; if not, the part number would not have changed. However, I do not expect there are any significant differences between them. In general, a part like a lifter would be changed in order to incorporate some sort of improvement(s). So, I would expect the latest version to be the best version. This is not always the case, especially as of recently. However, in the case of this lifter, I expect the "latest is the greatest". Plus, it's been around now for 32 years.

[Duke W.]

Re: 69 427/390 lifter part number

I'd be willing to bet 2:1 that this GM lifter is manufactured by Federal Mogul and is the same as their Sealed Power HT817 that you can buy from NAPA or any parts store that carries Sealed Power Engine Products for about five bucks each.

What is the GM price?

Duke

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 427/390 lifter part number

I'd be willing to bet 2:1 that this GM lifter is manufactured by Federal Mogul and is the same as their Sealed Power HT817 that you can buy from NAPA or any parts store that carries Sealed Power Engine Products for about five bucks each.

What is the GM price?

Duke

Duke------



The current GM list price is about $16.50.

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 427/390 lifter part number

I'd be willing to bet 2:1 that this GM lifter is manufactured by Federal Mogul and is the same as their Sealed Power HT817 that you can buy from NAPA or any parts store that carries Sealed Power Engine Products for about five bucks each.

Duke

Duke------

Below are photos of a GM #5232720 and a Sealed Power (Federal-Mogul) HT817. Of course they are GENERALLY alike. However, you will note there are slight differences. To me, these differences preclude the possibility that the lifters are the same.

There are only a relatively small number of companies that manufacture flat tappet hydraulic lifters. One of these companies was once the AC Division of General Motors. In my opinion, these were the best lifters available. Of course, the AC Division of General Motors no longer exists as a manufacturing entity. Just what became of its manufacturing facilities for lifters I do not know. It's possible that DELPHI or some other company still operates them. If so, it's possible that they are the supplier to GM.

By the way, while the GM lifter shown below is relatively old stock, I have seen current stock (i.e. the most current AC-Delco packaging) and they are absolutely identical to the lifter shown below.


DSCN3079.jpgDSCN3080.jpgDSCN3081.jpgDSCN3082.jpgDSCN3083.jpgDSCN3084.jpgDSCN3085.jpg

[Duke W.]

Re: 69 427/390 lifter part number

Thanks for posting the comparison photos. I guess I loose the bet. The external differences are interesting, but I have no idea on the operational effects, if any.

Hydraulic lifters rarely cause problems other than lobe/lifter wear that can be caused by incorrect hardening of the surfaces, excessive valve spring force, or oil with insufficient anti wear additive.

I usually recommend Federal Mogul or Dana Corp. replacement parts because they are usually built to the GM prints, or if not they are functionally equivalent. I also recommend buying lifters from the same manufacturer as the cam to ensure compatibility, and it also makes warranty claims easier if there is a wear problem.

Duke