The new Howards Cams UltraMax roller lifters that feature a bushing in place of needle bearings are a step up from the company’s popular ProMax line.

“Both, however, have full-time high-pressure oiling to the shaft,” says Robert Lou, general manager Howards Cams. “Most other lifters are time based.”

The continuous oiling helps maintain higher rpm levels and allow for higher spring pressures. The UltraMax lifters bodies are constructed from lightened, case-hardened 8620 steel alloy and come with a special enhanced finish. They feature heat-treated stainless-steel link bars, and the rollers are made from 9310 steel.

Note the machined face on the lifter that allow additional oil to the cam lobe.

“These are the same materials and design features used on Top Fuel engines,” adds Lou.

The lifters are fully rebuildable and made in the USA. Applications include Chevy small-block, Chevy big-block, Ford big-block and Ford small-block, including .903-inch SVO. Some applications feature .300-inch taller bodies for aftermarket blocks.

Howards Cams also offers a hydraulic flat-tappet lifter designed to constantly feed oil directly to the lifter face.

“You can’t put an EDM hole due to the hydraulic valving,” says Lou. “So we machine a slot that provides oil to the cam lobe.”

The design allows up to 30 percent more oil to the lifter face and is suitable for more aggressive cam profiles on the street or race track. They’re available for Ford and Chevy applications.