You fellows that are talking about and looking all over for engine parts have to realize that engine parts are more available to machine shops than the mass retailers. Go and speak to a good machine shop that do engines for a living and have a conversation with them about sourcing topline Johnson lifters.There will be many shops that have access to the product.When you are the owner of a machine shop you don't buy parts from Rock Auto,Orielly,Pep Boys,and most of the others.The engine parts business is referred to as the hard parts business and is designed to source and supply engine parts.Most of it is done through a network of buying groups that have a distribution system set up.There are large warehouse distributors that have the hard parts in stock and supply is working well.The reason you have a problem in getting the product is the cost at a machine shop doesn't make you feel warm and cozy.Well the 10¢ coffee is gone.Open a shop and see how much the equipment costs,join a group and get good wd pricing find qualified people you can employ and depend upon and see what the real shop has to do every day and produce a product that they stand behind by using the correct parts.There is little hope in finding the supply without starting at the grass roots and asking the correct questions at the shop level.They want to sell parts and make money.Yes they will sell you parts.Go and visit a shop and take advantage the knowledge that you can gain.I worked as a district manager for a large engine parts manufacturer and have been involved with engine parts for 30+ years.Have made 1000's of shop calls. Do the math if you did 2 calls a day that is a whopping number "LOL" 10 calls a week.40 calls a month.480 calls a year. That is more than 14,000 calls.I have seen many shops come and go.Yes there are still some valuable shops out there go and find one it is not rocket science. I have made many great friends in the industry that are very qualified and a fountain of knowledge .When you find a good shop take them a box of donuts and some coffee and have some fun.I know of many machine shops that the counterman has forgotten more about engine parts than some of us will ever know.
Another 2¢
R