Roller cams----advantages??
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,165
Likes: 950
From: Keizer Oregon
Roller cams----advantages??
I have my 383 stroker motor on an engine stand......I screwed up an dropped some lifters on the concrete..... 
So I am replacing the lifters and pushrods.....My cam is already pretty healthy, but I am just wondering if it is worth it to upgrade to a roller cam setup.
Current setup: AR racing 383 stroker 440hp@5800 and 448tq@5100........lumpy cam, RPM aluminum heads....blah blah....
Advantages/disadvantages??????? Comments
So I am replacing the lifters and pushrods.....My cam is already pretty healthy, but I am just wondering if it is worth it to upgrade to a roller cam setup.Current setup: AR racing 383 stroker 440hp@5800 and 448tq@5100........lumpy cam, RPM aluminum heads....blah blah....
Advantages/disadvantages??????? Comments
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,540
Likes: 1
From: Pineville Kentucky
CI 6-8-9 Veteran
I just went with a roller cam on my BB build and I think it was worth the $. Less problem with break-in. Less friction (less heat) Plus and most important you can tell people it's a full roller! 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,891
Likes: 4
From: North Port Fl
I agree with 2th Farmer, there should be a slightly easier brake in period and there will be less friction, and if your are buying them because they're cool and you want bragging rights that's ok too, but for a street engine there is in my opinion very little return for your money. The only disadvantage is the price.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 11,593
Likes: 173
From: Clayton NC
The biggest advantage to a roller cam is that you can run an more agressive lift and duration for a specific setup. The roller setup will net you about 30 hp over a flat tappet cam also. So that will mean more than just braggin rights... Dave..
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 30,183
Likes: 313
From: Lake Norman NC
i just went thru this same deal on my 383..go roller....you will not regret it, and it more than pays for itself. No break in hassle, better street manners, and more power, but look at about $700-1000 in upgrading.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
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From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
Come to think of it I think I dropped my cam the other day too, might be time to upgrade to the XR286R anyway 
Roller cams are the way to go, I got a ton of power and the torque is very flat and extends over a wide RPM range
Roller cams are the way to go, I got a ton of power and the torque is very flat and extends over a wide RPM range
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Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,961
Likes: 573
From: Lompoc, CA. Santa Barbara County
As soon as I can save the money up, I'm going to the Chevy Hydraulic Roller "LT4 Hot Cam" The cam is only $200, but the conversion roller lifters are $400. Roller cams open faster and lift more for the same durataion as regular hydralic cams. I'm steping down a little in duration, but up a lot in lift. I hope more vacuum and more power.
Bee Jay
Bee Jay
Bee Jay
Bee Jay
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 3
From: Wildwood IL
In my opinion, roller cams are unmatched for power & performace. But spend every last cent you have on top of the line roller lifters, and maybe oil screens too. Lifters are the most important component of all in that set up. Roller wheels & tiny bearings circulating through the bottom end after a cheap lifter explodes just scares the lining heII out of me...
Eddie
Eddie
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 6,798
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From: Pine Bluff Arkansas
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-‘19-'20-'21
I went from flat to a roller in my 383. Have a Crane in mine. Didn't mind the price of the cam, but the lifters really bothered me. Larry
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 3
The disadvantage to a roller cam is if you want high rpm (6500-7000 rpm redline) you need VERY stiff valve springs to handle the additional lifter mass. That is tough on the valve train. I haven't seen titanium roller lifters, but they might bring the spring forces down to a reasonable level.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,025
Likes: 1
From: Billings MT
SickShiftCorvette: I run my 406 to 7300rpm without float, but like you said I don't have a lot of mass at the valve (this is where it is important). I run a pretty small 1.46" spring with titanium retainers. I "only" have 155lbs on the seat and 440lbs open.
There mean on the street.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 7
From: Ontario
Originally Posted by jerrylee
when i called jegs n asked the tech 4 a kick *** cam he gave me comp cams xtreme energy hydraulic flat tappet..4 my bb..should i change because my rebuild isn't finished..thanx..
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 599
Likes: 0
From: New York
cam...
XE268H.....flat tappet..515"/520" on the lift...110 lobe sep.......268/280 duration...on my 77' 454.....comp-about 10.1 with about 425 on the horse........this is what the tech from jegs gave me........thanx
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,039
Likes: 669
From: FL
XE268 is a good street cam for a 350. Will be very mild in a 454.
I run a Crane hyd roller. IMHO, Comp is getting a lot of pressing and being pushed by the magazines but that does not mean they have the best product.
I run a Crane hyd roller. IMHO, Comp is getting a lot of pressing and being pushed by the magazines but that does not mean they have the best product.