Getting ready to replace my tappet blocks, is there any advantage to using billet over cast ones? Besides, billet cost twice as much as cast.

 

As long as the bores are smooth and fitment is good; other than looks, I don't think you would notice the difference, except in your wallet. Show bike or ride bike?

 

My Original cast blocks are at 80k miles... and need bored oversize... think I'll Keep 'em...

 

The bike is an everyday rider, 40,000 miles. Doing a little winter fixing up.

 

Is there a reason you are replacing the tappet blocks? Not a common service replacement item for winter fix ups.

 

Cast will wear better and longer than the pretty ones and there's a lot of side load torque on lifters

 

The outer front bolt hole corner cracked off, time to replace it.

 

On the front one.

 

Hiuh??? Some serious stress to accomplish that ... in fact... Never seen it from "Use" before.
I would find out How/Why before I replace anything!!!

 

I use S&S being mine was on the loose side.
In the processes of tightening up oil clearances to the valve train, it was a step.
The clearance for the bores in lifter to lifter block is supposed to very small- that is way they get honed to OS, or replaced.
With new lifters, it is "pretty much a "pug " fit.
IDK if S&S are cast, boiled, or what proses they use to make them.
They are bulkier, as I had to grind quite a bit off one to get it to drop in past the cylinder on the rear (I think it was the rear)