Riley Multi-Lift Valve Actuators

[DanHayes]

Anybody have any idea how much these Riley Multi-Lifts are worth? I have a full set with valves, springs, lifters etc. that I pulled out of a members '16 engine. Her deceased husband had installed them in an engine that ran but was switched out for another engine but not sure why. As we disassembled the engine it seems to be in working order. They look to be in great condition. Any thoughts on pricing would be helpful as we will probably not use them in the engine we are putting back together. Thanks

[Scott_Conger]

When you do sell them, you can have the buyer reference this: http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/118802/125787.html

[Gene_French]

Dan:
sent an email … am interested , let me know if you decide to sell ...always an optimist...Gene French

[Les Schubert]

IF I was able to buy these I would replicate them for those interested. Using 21 century technologies

[StanHowe]

I almost sent you an email when I saw them Les, I should have, I knew you were looking for a set. Sorry

[Gene_French]

Les:
reproducing the multi-lift would be my intent also … while these are not for everyone , they did effect a substantial performance increase even with the somewhat short life span … improved materials and heat treat process and some of the modern " dry-lube" coatings would probably increase the lifespan to a more tolerable range ...always an optimist...Gene French

[Les Schubert]

Gene
No problem. I hope you get them. If you want to “commiserate “ about materials and process, please feel free to contact me!!

[TonyB]

A couple of years ago I saw a set for sale at the Big 3 swap meet in San Diego. I believe the seller was from Arizona. He wanted $200 for the set. I thought about it but was concerned about the short life, estimated to be less than 10,000 miles according to the literature.

[tdumas]

I suspect these were made by Jerry Hunt.

[Tiger Tim]

Why are they so short lived, just a general lack of oil up to them or something else?

[AandTman]

Tony, that was me who had the Multi-lifts at SD. I do not remember quoting a price, as I was more interested in talking with those who might have some experience with them. I also had them out at Chickasha in 2018 and I believe I talked to Les about Reverse Engineering the concept. I have to admit not much done on that project as of this date.
Don Vagasky

[Les Schubert]

Not having ever actually touched a set of them, I could only guess at things related to wear,and I prefer NOT to guess about stuff like that

[AandTman]

If it was not you whom I spoke with at Chickasha, it was somebody else from Canada,..... me assuming it was you.
Oh well mistaken identity...….

[Gene_French]

Les:
if I do get a set I would be glad to share the details … I have done a layout and milled a sample set of involute lifter levers from aluminum for test purpose … works well with regards to amplifying the lift … would have to be machined ( possibly wire EDM ) and heattreated to achieve any life span … is doable … not for everyone , for sure … I also considered machining a milder lift ratio … right now I have WAY too much to do … am finally finishing my home building project … always an optimist...Gene French

[Kevin Pharis]

[Les Schubert]

I suspect that “a positive spray “ oiling system in the valve chamber would make a significant effect on the life of these. IF the engine was pressure oiled it wouldn’t be too difficult and I wouldn’t be surprised if most installations on speedster engines might have a pressure system.
Possibly spraying for “relief valve flow” could do the job. Just a idea I’m kicking around!!

[D.Yoder]

This is what I have

[John Warren]

These are very interesting, has anyone had these on a dyno? I did see the previously discussion. Thanks. sounds like there is some brilliant minds at work on re-producing these. I sure with some flow studies, an optimum lift can be discovered. I have been told that two much lift will start decreasing flow efficiency.

[Les Schubert]

It seems that I have now acquired a set to evaluate. It should be fun!!

[dobro1956]

Glad you got them Les, Im waiting patiently for a set of "new and improved repros" . are they done yet ....

[Gene_French]

Les:
would be good to hear a detailed report on the performance of the multi-lifts... always an optimist...Gene French

[Les Schubert]

Gene
First I’m going to carefully evaluate the characteristics of the material. Try to determine what it is made of and it’s potential wear properties. Then I have a couple of possible engines to install it in AFTER I make 3D digital drawings of the components. A friend has a dyno so it might get tested for performance

[DanHayes]

To All,
Thank you for all the posts and information. One of the responses provided an estimate for what they were worth and it was in the range local enthusiasts had recommended I ask for them. I offered it to that individual so sorry for the many of you that were interested in them. I did not know they would be in such demand; probably should have put them on ebay and let the bidding begin, but I hate that process. As I mentioned I was selling these for a club member and she was very pleased with getting them to someone who would enjoy them as well as the money. Again thanks, Dan

[Les Schubert]

I have received the multi-lifts. Thank you Dean Yoder, a true gentleman!!
I have now had several conversations with Harry Lillo, the only person I know that has had extensive operation experience with them.
Yesterday I did some research and have now concluded that the “cams” are investment cast and heat treated 4140.
Studying the pictures of the originals, I believe that they had a a “locating ring” that coencided with the lifter boss, that is missing on the reproduction ones. I believe this may be the root cause of some operational issues that have been experienced

[John bevardos]

Ok Les,
put me on the waiting list !

john

[Les Schubert]

John
Don’t hold your breath!! First I want to resolve a couple of installation/operational concerns.
One (as I have mentioned) is “locking “ the device to the lifter bosses.
Another I want to explore is installing “valve rotators “ to help manage wear.
This is all going to take time!!

[Les Schubert]

So I am considering the idea of just using the Multi Lift concept on the intake valves. I believe that the reduction in performance would be very little and it would cut the installation issues in half!!

[John Warren]

Interesting idea Les, It would be like installing a bigger intake valve:)

[Henry K. Lee]

You guys know where Les will be for awhile! LOL.

Les, take breaks, great minds need a rest now and then.


All the Best,

Hank

[Tom_Carnegie]

I think just putting one on the intake might be a mistake. I'm sure that there would be some performance improvement, but I think there would be more with one on both the intake and exhaust. There is two aspects of the multi-lift: One is higher lift, the other is faster lift. There is a point of diminishing returns on higher life, not so with faster lift. I think the faster lift on the exhaust would help performance a lot, depending on the cam grind used.