I'm starting to order parts to do a 95 build to my 02 Dyna. I just picked up a set of SE203 Cams (chain). Do I need to buy a set of adjustable lifters or can I re-use my orginals? They have about 18K miles. My budget is tight so I'd rather not buy new unless necessary.

 

With only 18k miles, I'd reuse the stock lifters.

 

you will probably be Ok, butI would inspect them very closely.
what made you decide on the 203s?

 

I'll agree with the others to a point. Can you get by without new ones. Sure, but the stock "B" HD lifters are cheap. You have some age And some miles on these and if one did come apart it could make a mess. At the least look them over real well. You should be fine reusing them but you have a 15k doller bike. Whats another 50 to 75 bucks insurance?

 

Do you mean adjustable pushrods?
And yes I would replace the lifters since you are
that deep in on a 95 build
Cheap now in comparison to what you will spend later if one of them fail
Don't ask me how I know

 

Thanks for the advice guys. I'll plan to re-use but I'll inspect them closely before making the decision (i'm still a few months away before tearing the engine down).

As to why I decided on the 203s: My goal is increase torque in the 2 - 4K band (I'm not looking for high RPMS). Because of the tight budget, my orginal plan was to only do piston/jugs/head-porting/ignition module this year, and install a cam next year. Then I had a phone conversation with one of our Forum members who gave me what I consider to be a good compromise for a cost-effective and reliable build. He commented that there are a lot of used 203 cams out there and that i should be able to find some at a reasonable price. He went on to say that the 203's would work good for the 2-4K rpm band that I'm looking for. It made sense to me.... so I looked around and sure enough, another one of our esteemed members had some 203's which I purchased. I received them and they look to be in perfect condition. Thanks again guys.

 

A friend of mine did a 95" build on a budget; his big (and only)regret was buying and installing203'she got in agreat "deal." Everyone (okay, almost everyone) is on a tight budget when it comes to builds. But doing all that work and installing 203's is not where to economize IMHO.

 

I agree 100%
You might as well just wait on the cams if your going to go with the 203's. Not much better then Stock...

 

The 203 is not the best cam to use and without head work the 203 is not going to give you any real seat of the pants gains. The andrews 26 in a chain would be a much better cam and even if you cannot afford any head work at least have the heads milled to rais the compression to 9.5. A budget street port clean up and cc and milling of the heads is only 225 through us. Cannot make any claims as for others. But with a 95 kit with flat top pistons and a 26 cam , and a mild port job and raised compression no reason you will not see 90+ tq. A budget is wasted if you build it with mis matched parts. It will cost you more in the end.

 

I am currentley doing a 95 in. build and plan on using the original lifters. They weren't noisy when I took them out with just under 25000 miles. I did get second thoughts when torquing down the rocker assembly with the lifters on the base circle and was unable to turn the pushrods with my thumb and forefinger. I checked them again last night and they move more freely. Haven't done the front cylinder yet. I read some where that roller lifters weren't as critical for reuse as flat tappets. I don't have enough on hands experience to know for sure, but am a willing listener.