The engines of yesteryear were pretty simple, with tappets clackity-clacking away on cam lobes, opening valves, and making a ruckus while doing it. Mechanical lifters were adequate for valve operation ...

Jeff Blitz purchased his '66 Chevy II Nova four years ago, complete with a carbureted 10.5:1 355ci small-block Chevy, a TH350 automatic with a 3,000-rpm stall-speed converter, a 3.55:1 12-bolt rearend ...