Abstract: A valve tappet for actuating a valve lifter in an internal combustion engine. The present invention has greater strength and improved oil flow control as compared to conventional tappets. The present invention achieves these objectives through a design that maintains essentially continuous contact with the internal surface of the lifter bore throughout the entire length of the tappet. Throughbores are formed in the tappet body allowing oil flow therethrough. The resulting tappet does not have the abrupt edges associated with conventional tappet designs, this also minimizes scuffing of the lifter bore, an additional problem associated with conventional tappets.