yeah, just wondering how much difference there is in general engine sound between the motors with hydraulic lifters and those with solids.

 

Reason im asking is that someone has put solids in my ea81t (still has pushrods & valve springs for hydraulics), and im wondering if its worth finding some hydraulic ones to put in.

I know they are quieter, because there is an 83' or so wagon (non turbo) that I see that has VERY noisy valves, but a friend's 84 (with hydraulic lifters) was much quieter. Then again, the valves may be damaged in the car I see - at any rate, your engine is designed for hydraulic, so if I were rebuilding it, I would use hydraulic.