Katech Spec Johnson LS/LT Drop-In Lifter Set

The Katech Spec Johnson Drop-In Hydraulic Roller Lifter Set is a precision valvetrain solution for LS and LT engine architectures requiring stable hydraulic control, consistent valve motion, and reliable operation in high-performance street and racing applications. These lifters are genuine Johnson 2110-K hydraulic roller lifters, ground to Katech’s specification of .8422" ± .0002 on the outside diameter. This custom OD sizing is intended to achieve proper lifter-to-bore oiling clearance in OEM engine blocks, supporting controlled oil flow through the lifter circuit and contributing to consistent oil pressure behavior in performance engine builds.

Designed as a true drop-in lifter for use with factory-style lifter trays, this configuration eliminates the need for link-bar lifters while maintaining precise hydraulic response and controlled leakdown behavior. The cold-forged extra-long piston is precision ground and fitted to deliver predictable leakdown characteristics and consistent lash control when paired with appropriate camshaft profiles, spring pressures, and preload settings. A high-flow, quick-reacting disc-style check valve improves hydraulic response at elevated engine speeds, while precision oil metering assures proper lubrication to the rocker arms without excessive oil loss from the lifter circuit.

Cold-forged steel bodies with heat treatment provide exceptional wear resistance, and the precision-ground needle roller bearing with a high-chromium steel axle supports long service life with minimal friction. Axle oiling is engineered to accommodate higher spring pressures commonly used in performance LS and LT valvetrain combinations. Johnson lifters have been used in COPO Camaro racing programs, demonstrating their capability in demanding high-performance environments where durability, hydraulic stability, and consistent valve control are critical.

Katech specification and quality control focus on achieving the correct lifter-to-bore relationship in OEM blocks, an important factor in maintaining consistent oil pressure behavior and valvetrain stability in performance engine builds.

Technical Specifications

• Lifter Type: Johnson 2110-K hydraulic roller, Katech specified

• Outside Diameter: .8422" ± .0002 (Katech specification)

• Total Plunger Travel: .093"

• Manufacturer Suggested Preload: .025" – .045"

• Katech Recommended Preload Range: .035" – .045"

• Construction: Cold-forged steel body, heat-treated

• Internal Design: Extra-long precision-fitted piston with controlled leakdown

• Check Valve: High-flow, quick-reacting disc style

• Roller Assembly: Precision needle bearing with high-chromium steel axle

• Oiling: Precision metering for proper rocker lubrication without excessive pressure loss

• Quantity: Set of 16 lifters

Typical Applications

• LS and LT performance street engines

• Road racing, endurance racing, and drag racing LS/LT builds

• High-performance camshaft applications requiring stable hydraulic control

• Engines using OEM-style lifter trays and non-AFM/DOD valvetrain layouts

Fitment & Installation Notes

• Compatible with LS and LT engine architectures using standard hydraulic roller lifters

• Designed for use with OEM-style lifter guides/trays (not link-bar lifters)

• Measuring of lifter-to-bore clearance is highly recommended, and may be required in performance builds

• Aftermarket blocks such as Dart blocks typically have tighter lifter bores and require special attention to clearance verification

• Proper preload, spring pressure, and overall valvetrain geometry must be verified during installation to ensure optimal hydraulic function and durability