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An investigation was made into the effects of valve lifter material on fuel consumption and engine noise. It was found that the use of aluminum not only improves fuel economy but also reduces valve-train chatter because it is lighter in weight and less hard than steel. The stresses to which the valve lifters are subjected and their surface temperatures were measured in bench tests, and durability tests were conducted to ascertain the problems which might be expected. Based on the results of these tests, the shape was modified, a new aluminum alloy was developed and a coating was applied to the surface. The aluminum valve lifters thus developed were found to be as durable as conventional steel lifters and have been used in the new Toyota V8 engine (IUZ type).