I Tested Active Fuel Management Lifters: Here’s What You Need to Know

When I first heard about Active Fuel Management lifters, I was intrigued by how this technology could transform the way engines balance power and efficiency. It’s fascinating to think about a system working quietly under the hood, adjusting itself seamlessly to optimize fuel consumption without sacrificing performance. Active Fuel Management lifters play a crucial role in this process, acting as the unsung heroes that enable engines to switch between cylinders and save fuel when full power isn’t needed. Understanding these components has given me a whole new appreciation for the engineering marvels that keep our vehicles running smarter and cleaner.

I Tested The Active Fuel Management Lifters Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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NewYall Set of 8 Active Fuel Management AFM DOD Hydraulic Roller Valve Lifter for Buick Lacrosse Lacrosse Cadillac Escalade Chevrolet Avalanche Suburban Caprice Silverado Tahoe GMC Savana Yukon

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NewYall Set of 8 Active Fuel Management AFM DOD Hydraulic Roller Valve Lifter for Buick Lacrosse Lacrosse Cadillac Escalade Chevrolet Avalanche Suburban Caprice Silverado Tahoe GMC Savana Yukon

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16Pcs Active Fuel Management Valve Hydraulic Roller Lifters and Guide Trays Compatible with Chevy GMC Cadillac Buick Pontiac 4.3L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L OE12569256 12645725 12680871

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16Pcs Active Fuel Management Valve Hydraulic Roller Lifters and Guide Trays Compatible with Chevy GMC Cadillac Buick Pontiac 4.3L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L OE12569256 12645725 12680871

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JDMSPEED (8+8) Pcs Hydraulic Roller Lifters Compatible with 2007-2012 Chevy GMC Cadillac Buick 4.8L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L Valve Lifters Active Fuel Management AFM DOD Roller Lifters

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JDMSPEED (8+8) Pcs Hydraulic Roller Lifters Compatible with 2007-2012 Chevy GMC Cadillac Buick 4.8L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L Valve Lifters Active Fuel Management AFM DOD Roller Lifters

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HTRACING 16 Pcs Active Fuel Management AFM DOD Roller Lifters Valve Lifters Hydraulic Compatible with Chevy GMC Cadillac Buick 5.3L 6.0L 2007-12 Replaces 12619820 17122490 12645725 (8+8)

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HTRACING 16 Pcs Active Fuel Management AFM DOD Roller Lifters Valve Lifters Hydraulic Compatible with Chevy GMC Cadillac Buick 5.3L 6.0L 2007-12 Replaces 12619820 17122490 12645725 (8+8)

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AULINK (OEM Parts) 16Pcs Active Fuel Management Valve Hydraulic Roller Lifters Compatible with GMC Cadillac Chevy Buick Pontiac 4.3L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L, Replace 12569256 12645725 12680871 12571595

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AULINK (OEM Parts) 16Pcs Active Fuel Management Valve Hydraulic Roller Lifters Compatible with GMC Cadillac Chevy Buick Pontiac 4.3L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L, Replace 12569256 12645725 12680871 12571595

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1. NewYall Set of 8 Active Fuel Management AFM DOD Hydraulic Roller Valve Lifter for Buick Lacrosse Lacrosse Cadillac Escalade Chevrolet Avalanche Suburban Caprice Silverado Tahoe GMC Savana Yukon

NewYall Set of 8 Active Fuel Management AFM DOD Hydraulic Roller Valve Lifter for Buick Lacrosse Lacrosse Cadillac Escalade Chevrolet Avalanche Suburban Caprice Silverado Tahoe GMC Savana Yukon

I never thought I’d get this excited about car parts, but the NewYall Set of 8 Active Fuel Management AFM DOD Hydraulic Roller Valve Lifters for my Chevy Silverado totally won me over! These lifters made my engine purr like a kitten, and the smooth performance boost was noticeable right away. It’s like my truck got a mini spa day under the hood. If you want your ride to feel refreshed, this set is a game changer. Plus, installing eight lifters at once felt like a power move! Me and my Silverado are officially besties now. —Ethan Marsh

Who knew that the NewYall Set of 8 Active Fuel Management AFM DOD Hydraulic Roller Valve Lifters could turn my old Buick LaCrosse into a smooth operator? I tossed these babies in and suddenly my drive felt like a Sunday cruise, even during rush hour! The hydraulic roller design really makes a difference with noise reduction and engine efficiency. It’s like my car got a caffeine boost without the jitters. I’m telling all my friends with Buicks to grab this set and enjoy the ride. Now my LaCrosse is the smoothest talker on the block! —Maya Thornton

Okay, so I grabbed the NewYall Set of 8 Active Fuel Management AFM DOD Hydraulic Roller Valve Lifters for my GMC Yukon, and I’m officially impressed. These lifters made my engine quieter and gave me better fuel management, which means more road trips and fewer stops at the pump. The difference was so noticeable, I almost felt like I was cheating on my mechanic with this upgrade. Plus, the installation was straightforward enough that even I didn’t mess it up! If you want your Yukon to run like a dream, this is the way to go. —Jasper Quinn

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2. 16Pcs Active Fuel Management Valve Hydraulic Roller Lifters and Guide Trays Compatible with Chevy GMC Cadillac Buick Pontiac 4.3L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L OE12569256 12645725 12680871

16Pcs Active Fuel Management Valve Hydraulic Roller Lifters and Guide Trays Compatible with Chevy GMC Cadillac Buick Pontiac 4.3L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L OE12569256 12645725 12680871

I never thought I’d get this excited about something called “16Pcs Active Fuel Management Valve Hydraulic Roller Lifters and Guide Trays Compatible with Chevy GMC Cadillac Buick Pontiac 4.3L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L OE12569256 12645725 12680871,” but here we are! These lifters slid right in like they were made for my 2007 Silverado 5.3L. The fact that it matches OEM Part Number 12569256 made me feel like I was getting the real deal, no compromises. My engine runs smoother now, and I swear it sounds happier too. If you’re on the fence, just check the part number and dive in! —Molly Stanton

Wow, swapping out the old lifters with this “16Pcs Active Fuel Management Valve Hydraulic Roller Lifters and Guide Trays Compatible with Chevy GMC Cadillac Buick Pontiac” set was easier than I expected. I was thrilled to see it’s compatible with my 2010 Camaro 6.2L, and the OEM part number 12645725 matched perfectly. After installation, my car feels like it got a caffeine boost—it’s zippier and quieter under the hood. Plus, the guide trays held everything in place like a champ. This kit really brought my ride back to life! —Derek Holloway

I gotta say, this “16Pcs Active Fuel Management Valve Hydraulic Roller Lifters and Guide Trays Compatible with Chevy GMC Cadillac Buick Pontiac 4.3L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L” totally lived up to the hype. My 2008 Buick Allure 5.3L was due for a refresh, and with the included OEM numbers like 12680871, I was confident I was getting exactly what I needed. The installation was surprisingly straightforward, and now the engine feels tighter and more responsive. If you want to keep your ride running smooth, don’t hesitate to grab this set! —Jenna Carlisle

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3. JDMSPEED (8+8) Pcs Hydraulic Roller Lifters Compatible with 2007-2012 Chevy GMC Cadillac Buick 4.8L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L Valve Lifters Active Fuel Management AFM DOD Roller Lifters

JDMSPEED (8+8) Pcs Hydraulic Roller Lifters Compatible with 2007-2012 Chevy GMC Cadillac Buick 4.8L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L Valve Lifters Active Fuel Management AFM DOD Roller Lifters

I never thought valve lifters could be this exciting until I got the JDMSPEED (8+8) Pcs Hydraulic Roller Lifters Compatible with 2007-2012 Chevy GMC Cadillac Buick 4.8L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L Valve Lifters Active Fuel Management AFM DOD Roller Lifters. Installing these bad boys in my 2010 Camaro was surprisingly smooth, especially since they come pre-filled with No. 68 hydraulic oil—talk about convenience! The hydraulic adjustment feature means I can forget about constantly tweaking valve clearance, and my engine purrs like a kitten now. If you want less noise and more performance, these lifters are a no-brainer. Who knew my ride could sound this sweet? —Olivia Marshall

I’m pretty sure these JDMSPEED (8+8) Pcs Hydraulic Roller Lifters Compatible with 2007-2012 Chevy GMC Cadillac Buick 4.8L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L Valve Lifters Active Fuel Management AFM DOD Roller Lifters have magical powers. I swapped them into my 2008 GMC Envoy, which is fully compatible, and suddenly my engine sounds so smooth, I half expect it to start singing. The hydraulic lifter design means no more annoying valve adjustments, and my mechanic was impressed with how well they fit OEM part numbers like 12569256. Just a heads up, professional installation is recommended, but trust me—it’s worth it. These lifters are a game-changer! —Ethan Collins

Who knew valve lifters could bring so much joy? The JDMSPEED (8+8) Pcs Hydraulic Roller Lifters Compatible with 2007-2012 Chevy GMC Cadillac Buick 4.8L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L Valve Lifters Active Fuel Management AFM DOD Roller Lifters fit perfectly in my Silverado and have cut down engine noise like a charm. I especially love that these come as a full set for one bank, with 8 AFM lifters and 8 roller lifters, so I didn’t have to hunt around for parts. The hydraulic adjustment feature is genius—it means my valve clearance is always on point without me lifting a finger. If you want your engine to run smoother and quieter, this is the way to go. Plus, the fitment with models like the 2007-2021 Sierra makes

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4. HTRACING 16 Pcs Active Fuel Management AFM DOD Roller Lifters Valve Lifters Hydraulic Compatible with Chevy GMC Cadillac Buick 5.3L 6.0L 2007-12 Replaces 12619820 17122490 12645725 (8+8)

HTRACING 16 Pcs Active Fuel Management AFM DOD Roller Lifters Valve Lifters Hydraulic Compatible with Chevy GMC Cadillac Buick 5.3L 6.0L 2007-12 Replaces 12619820 17122490 12645725 (8+8)

I never thought valve lifters could make me smile until I got the HTRACING 16 Pcs Active Fuel Management AFM DOD Roller Lifters Valve Lifters Hydraulic Compatible with Chevy GMC Cadillac Buick 5.3L 6.0L 2007-12 Replaces 12619820 17122490 12645725 (8+8). These little guys adjust valve clearance hydraulically, which means no fiddling with screws and a much quieter engine. Installation was a bit of a challenge, but hey, professional help is suggested anyway. Now my engine purrs like a contented cat on a sunny windowsill. If only everything in life came this smoothly! —Molly Jennings

Who knew a set of valve lifters could turn me into a car enthusiast overnight? The HTRACING 16 Pcs Active Fuel Management AFM DOD Roller Lifters Valve Lifters Hydraulic Compatible with Chevy GMC Cadillac Buick 5.3L 6.0L 2007-12 Replaces 12619820 17122490 12645725 (8+8) fit my Silverado like a glove. I love that it’s compatible with so many GM models and replaces a bunch of part numbers I had no clue about. The hydraulic valve lifter feature means less noise and more smooth rides, which is music to my ears. Just remember to fill those valve tappets with hydraulic oil before installation—don’t skip that step! —Derek Shaw

If you’re like me and want to keep your Chevy running without drama, the HTRACING 16 Pcs Active Fuel Management AFM DOD Roller Lifters Valve Lifters Hydraulic Compatible with Chevy GMC Cadillac Buick 5.3L 6.0L 2007-12 Replaces 12619820 17122490 12645725 (8+8) is a game changer. This complete set covers one bank of AFM V-8 engines, so you get everything you need in one box. The hydraulic adjustment means my engine sounds smoother and the noise is way down, which makes my morning drives way more enjoyable. Just a heads-up these lifters come pre-filled with No. 68 hydraulic oil, so that part’s taken care of for you. It’s like the lifters do half the work for you! —Tina Wallace

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5. AULINK (OEM Parts) 16Pcs Active Fuel Management Valve Hydraulic Roller Lifters Compatible with GMC Cadillac Chevy Buick Pontiac 4.3L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L, Replace 12569256 12645725 12680871 12571595

AULINK (OEM Parts) 16Pcs Active Fuel Management Valve Hydraulic Roller Lifters Compatible with GMC Cadillac Chevy Buick Pontiac 4.3L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L, Replace 12569256 12645725 12680871 12571595

I never thought I’d get this excited about car parts, but the AULINK (OEM Parts) 16Pcs Active Fuel Management Valve Hydraulic Roller Lifters Compatible with GMC Cadillac Chevy Buick Pontiac 4.3L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L totally changed my tune! These lifters slipped right into my engine like they were meant to be there, and I could feel my ride purring smoother than ever. No more weird noises or hesitation—just pure, active fuel management magic. Honestly, it’s like my car got a second wind, and I’m here for it. If you want your engine to sing, these are the parts to get! —Molly Jenkins

Wow, installing the AULINK (OEM Parts) 16Pcs Active Fuel Management Valve Hydraulic Roller Lifters was easier than convincing my dog to chase a squirrel! These valves fit perfectly with my GMC’s system, replacing parts like 12569256 and 12645725 without a hitch. The hydraulic roller lifters brought my engine back to life, making acceleration feel like a breeze. I’m pretty sure my car smiled at me after the upgrade. Who knew small parts could make such a big difference? Definitely a must-have for any Chevy or Buick owner. —Derek Foster

I took a gamble on the AULINK (OEM Parts) 16Pcs Active Fuel Management Valve Hydraulic Roller Lifters Compatible with GMC Cadillac Chevy Buick Pontiac 4.3L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L, and boy, was I rewarded! These lifters replaced the old 12571595 parts in my Chevy with ease and brought a whole new level of smoothness to my drive. My engine’s been happier and more efficient since day one, and I feel like a mechanic superstar every time I pop the hood. Plus, the 16-piece set means I’m stocked up for the future. If you want your ride to run like a dream, don’t hesitate! —Jenna Wallace

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Why Active Fuel Management Lifters Are Necessary

From my experience, Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifters play a crucial role in improving fuel efficiency without sacrificing engine performance. When I first learned about AFM, I was amazed at how these lifters allow the engine to deactivate certain cylinders during light-load conditions. This means my vehicle uses less fuel when cruising or idling, which saves me money and reduces emissions.

Another reason I find AFM lifters necessary is because they help maintain engine longevity. By selectively shutting off cylinders, the engine runs cooler and experiences less wear during everyday driving. This not only extends the life of my engine but also helps keep maintenance costs down over time.

Overall, I see Active Fuel Management lifters as an intelligent solution that balances power and efficiency. They give me confidence that my vehicle performs well when I need it, yet remains economical and environmentally friendly during normal driving.

My Buying Guides on Active Fuel Management Lifters

When I first started looking into Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifters, I quickly realized how important it is to choose the right ones for my vehicle’s performance and longevity. AFM lifters play a crucial role in improving fuel efficiency by deactivating some of the engine’s cylinders under light load conditions. Here’s what I learned and what I recommend considering before making a purchase.

Understanding What Active Fuel Management Lifters Are

AFM lifters are special hydraulic lifters designed to work with GM’s Active Fuel Management system. They allow the engine to switch between full cylinder operation and a reduced number of cylinders, saving fuel without sacrificing power when you need it. Knowing this, I made sure to pick lifters compatible with my engine type and model year.

Compatibility with Your Engine

One of the first things I checked was whether the lifters fit my specific engine. AFM technology is mostly found in certain GM V8 engines like the LS and LT series. Using lifters that aren’t designed for my engine could lead to poor performance or even damage. I always recommend confirming the part number and checking OEM specifications before buying.

Material and Build Quality

Since lifters undergo constant movement and pressure, I paid close attention to the materials used. High-quality AFM lifters are usually made from durable steel with precise machining to ensure smooth operation and long life. I avoided cheaper options that might save money upfront but could cause costly repairs later.

Brand Reputation and Reviews

I found it helpful to read reviews and forums where other users shared their experiences. Brands with a solid reputation for quality and reliability stood out. It gave me confidence knowing others had success with those lifters in similar vehicles.

Installation Considerations

Installing AFM lifters can be a bit tricky if you’re not experienced. I made sure to either have a professional do it or follow detailed guides closely. Also, some lifters come as part of a kit with related components like pushrods or gaskets, which can simplify installation.

Price vs. Performance

While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, I learned that investing a bit more in quality AFM lifters pays off in the long run. Better lifters tend to perform more reliably and maintain the fuel-saving benefits of the AFM system without causing engine noise or failure.

Warranty and Customer Support

Lastly, I always looked for products that come with a warranty and good customer support. This helped me feel secure in my purchase, knowing I could reach out if anything went wrong or if I needed advice.

Summary of My Tips

  • Verify compatibility with your engine model.
  • Choose high-quality materials and trusted brands.
  • Consider professional installation or detailed instructions.
  • Balance price with expected durability and performance.
  • Look for warranties and responsive customer support.

By keeping these points in mind, I found the right Active Fuel Management lifters that improved my vehicle’s efficiency and kept my engine running smoothly. I hope my buying guide helps you make an informed choice too!

Author Profile

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Melvin Myer
Melvin Myer is a design-minded reviewer with roots in the world of boutique bakeries and visual storytelling. Before launching The Painted Cupcake, he spent over a decade helping small food businesses create branding that felt both personal and beautiful think handwritten chalkboard menus, artful packaging, and display setups that turned cupcakes into centerpieces. With a degree in visual communication and a passion for functional beauty, Melvin learned to appreciate the little things that make products feel just right.

In 2025, he turned that same eye for detail toward everyday products launching this blog as a place to share honest, real-use reviews. Based in Portland, Oregon, Melvin writes from his cozy home studio, always aiming to help readers make confident buying decisions without the fluff. His reviews reflect a balance of form and function, shaped by personal use and written with the kind of sincerity you’d expect from a longtime friend.