Solid vs Hydraulic lifters on the FS.

[Kelon32]

So here is the story. My engine was replaced at ~90k due to the rod bearings being worn so bad they were knocking. Reason being i had upped the boost to 1 bar (15psi) and it had put additional stress on the internals. The job was done at a Mazda dealer in Riverside CA. I had an extended warranty at the time and they paid for a USED engine supposedly from an MSP (FS-DET). Everything went fine and I learned my lesson about adding power without bottom end upgrades. I subsequently set the boost back to stock. At 130k the radiator cap came apart and the engine overheated so badly it blew the head gasket. I replaced the gasket myself (I am Porsche technician by trade) and when I sent the head to get machined (they had to take off almost .015" to get it flat again) I found that i had hydraulic lifters. Now I have been doing some research and it seems like if this was a REAL FS-DET engine that was installed by the extended warranty it should have solid shim style lifters. DID I GET BONED? Point being I am now considering buying a FS-ZE to rebuild (to lower the compression and install all the usual upgrades) and then install it. I do not like the idea of hydraulic lifters in the first place (Mazda's reputation with these is extremely poor). Has anyone done this? And is it worth it? I can get the FS-ZE cheap ($750) and this is my primary car so I do not want it disabled for too long. Any and all input is appreciated.

 

[ap123]

Very strange. Can you see what head casting you have?

According to this 1998 was the FS9 cylinder head revision/redesign. After that FS came with solid lifters.
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123713157-FS-Engine-Revision-Cam-Specs

From the sounds of it the dealer got the cheapest engine they could get their hands on.

 

[Kelon32]

Casting number of FS9 confirmed. Located near the exhaust on the drivers side of the cylinder head. That is really strange. Essentially I should have solid lifters. I am going to just buy a FS-ZE. Attempting to build an engine from unknown origin seems like it is going to be a bad idea. Thank you for your help.