Katech Spec Johnson LS/LT Tie-Bar Reduced Travel Hydraulic Roller Lifter Set

The Katech Spec Johnson Tie-Bar Reduced Travel Hydraulic Roller Lifter Set is engineered for LS and LT engine architectures requiring precise hydraulic control, stable valvetrain operation, and reliable performance in high-performance and racing applications. These lifters are genuine Johnson 2116 LSR 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.

Unlike tray-retained drop-in lifters, this configuration utilizes a proprietary tie-bar (link-bar) system that mechanically links lifter pairs and maintains proper lifter orientation in the bore to ensure consistent roller alignment on the camshaft lobe under high spring pressures and aggressive camshaft profiles. The precision leakdown hydraulic design provides controlled plunger behavior and stable valve motion when used in demanding valvetrain environments.

The cold-forged extra-long piston is precision-ground and fitted to deliver predictable leakdown characteristics and consistent hydraulic lash control when paired with appropriate preload, spring pressures, and camshaft ramp rates. A high-flow, quick-reacting disc-style check valve enhances 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 high-performance engine builds utilizing tie-bar hydraulic roller lifters.

Technical Specifications

• Lifter Type: Johnson 2116 LSR hydraulic roller, Katech specified

• Configuration: Tie-bar (link-bar) paired lifter system

• 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: Precision leakdown hydraulic piston with controlled pump-up behavior

• 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

• Tie-Bar System: Proprietary paired link-bar alignment design

• Quantity: Set of 16 lifters

Typical Applications

• LS and LT performance race engines requiring tie-bar hydraulic roller lifters

• High spring pressure and aggressive camshaft profile valvetrain combinations

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

• Performance engines where precise hydraulic control and lifter orientation stability are critical

Fitment & Installation Notes

• Compatible with LS and LT engine architectures requiring tie-bar (link-bar) hydraulic roller lifters

• Does not use OEM lifter trays; utilizes integrated tie-bar alignment system

• 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