Should i change to Hydraulic roller cam...?

[OBL1V1ON]

I have thought about switching over to a hydraulic roller cam for sometime now. I have a 79 L-82 with a hydraulic cam and hydraulic flat tappet lifters. Is this change possible? What is needed besides the roller cam and lifters(and i guess specialized pushrods)?

 

[iron cross]

You would have no advantage and probably more problems you don`t need. Put a GM 151 hydraulic cam in it and enjoy the power increase.:cool

 

[MaineShark]

Roller lifters reduce friction, which increases power.

More importantly, they allow the cam to ramp more aggressively, opening the valve faster for better flow.

But, there is a catch: To retrofit your non-roller block will require a special lifter kit and pushrods designed for the conversion. For example, Crane 11542-16 roller lifters, and 11628-16 special-length pushrods. You're probably looking at $400-500, without even including the cam.

If you want to do it, you can, but there are likely better ways to spend that kind of money, and get more gain. Of course, once you've already taken care of the other things, then maybe it's a good idea.

Joe

 

[bossvette]

I have an Isky Hydralic roller cam in my 76 I bought the complete kit on E-bay at a good price $500 it had Cam lifters pushrods springs retainers and keepers. The heads had to be machined for the springs and I am happy with the powerband it was designed to be used with a pre 87 TPI

 

[BeaterShark]

Here is what I can think of at the moment:
1) Cam
2) Lifters
3) valve springs, retainers, locks
4) cam button
5) thrust washer
6) Aluminum or re-inforced timing cover
7) pushrods (if you have changed the geometry)

 

[Jack]

For most drivers ... hydraulic flat tappet can provide more than most would ever want or could use ... roller is nice ... cool ... pricey ... but do you NEED a roller for a driver? BTW, that 151 recommendation is a good one.

FYI ... those 9K+ rpm Cup motors run flat tappet (solid) lifters ... NO rollers in Cup. Busch & Trucks do run rollers (solid) ... but not cup. May seem azz backwards ... but it's fact. And ... seldom will a flat tappet lifter ever have catastrophic failure ... but rollers pop links with much more regularity ... when a roller turns in lifter bore you will spend big$ for parts-machinework.
JACK:gap

 

[wallyknoch]

For most drivers ... hydraulic flat tappet can provide more than most would ever want or could use ... roller is nice ... cool ... pricey ... but do you NEED a roller for a driver? BTW, that 151 recommendation is a good one.

FYI ... those 9K+ rpm Cup motors run flat tappet (solid) lifters ... NO rollers in Cup. Busch & Trucks do run rollers (solid) ... but not cup. May seem azz backwards ... but it's fact. And ... seldom will a flat tappet lifter ever have catastrophic failure ... but rollers pop links with much more regularity ... when a roller turns in lifter bore you will spend big$ for parts-machinework.
JACK:gap

Well stated!