SRVfan09

Quick question, I haven't worked on an LS before and a friend of mine says you can remove the lifters without removing the heads, is that accurate for the LS7?

Long story short, I've identified a sporadic chirp coming from cylinder 6. Used a mechanic's stethoscope and checked where the head mates up to the block for each cylinder and number 6 had the chirp that would come in periodically. It's not always present and can be louder sometimes. I'm praying I caught it soon enough that I don't have a damaged cam.

Any input into your experiences if you've had similar noises would be appreciated. The research I've done points me to the lifter.

493lszosix

Sounds like your friend hasn’t worked on ls’s either lol heads have to come off

SRVfan09

He's built two but they were an LS1 and an LS2. He swears you can do it so I wanted to get more input on the LS7 because I assumed you had to pull the heads.

SRVfan09

Also - any suggestions on lifters? The shop that did the work on my car before I owned it recommends Johnson lifters. Thoughts?

493lszosix

Johnson lifters are what I use

bwill03z

If he’s built an LS1 and LS2 the he should know better… heads have to come off to change lifters. The LS7 is no different. Might wanna make sure he knows what he’s doing
I recommend Johnson lifters as well, they are pricey but very few failures.

SRVfan09

Thanks guys, appreciate it. That’s what I figured.

davidfarmer

I bet he is confusing the fact that you can remove the cam without removing the lifters

bwill03z

Thats was my thoughts also. You can use dowel rods or compressed air to change the cam without pulling the lifters but if he can change the lifters without pulling the heads I would love to see that lol

old motorhead

Compressed air?

bwill03z

Sorry, brain fart, I was thinking about valves… but yea I think using the dowels is what everyone does to swap cams without pulling the heads.

SRVfan09

Yep you guys are right because we discussed using dowels to trap the lifters in the case you have to pull the cam.