The invention relates to a lifter guide assembly for an internal combustion engine. The lifter guide includes a lifter guide body having an outer surface and an inner surface that extend from a first end to a second end. The inner surface defines at least one push rod passage. A plurality of compression members are provided at the first end. The plurality of compression members project proudly from the first end. The plurality of compression members are configured and disposed to be compressed by a cylinder head to retain the lifter guide in a cylinder block. The lifter guide is devoid of mechanical fasteners.