for what it is worth, bushed vs needle roller lifters
 

With the original build, we installed a bushed roller lifter. With the rocker arms removed the engine assembly would rotate easily and smoothly with an 18" bar on the damper bolt. As the rockers were installed, it required turning the engine with the starter to assemble and adjust the rockers. The rotation effort was very high.

After a tear down to make some changes we installed to a needle roller lifter. Now, the completed assemble, including rockers can easily be rotated with the 18" bar.

The rotation effort by hand is significantly reduced. This is an unscientific observation and may not make any difference once the engine is spinning.

Re: for what it is worth, bushed vs needle roller lifters
 

on another forum, this was suggested

"Yes the bushed lifters have way more drag when turning at hand speed (no hydrodynamic lube condition at this speed) compared to needle rollers"

Re: for what it is worth, bushed vs needle roller lifters
 

How about checking the rotational drag as someone is priming oil pressure? Should make a big difference, right?

Re: for what it is worth, bushed vs needle roller lifters
 

Hack, you have a reasonable test and I would do so if the engine was not already assembled.

I will keep this test in mind for the future