383 flat tappet -vs- 350 roller
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Forked River NJ
Originally Posted by sperkins
What about the advantages of the roller cam? With the problems of todays oils, I would think roller would be the way to go for sure.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Being that they are both mild motors, I think that your rear end gears, tranny type and driving style would make the correct choice.
Like if your rear gears are 3.08, three speed auto, and your enjoy the top down cruise - go 383
If your and rpm man with 3.55 gears a 4 speed and you like hitting the red line - 350 roller motor
Like if your rear gears are 3.08, three speed auto, and your enjoy the top down cruise - go 383
If your and rpm man with 3.55 gears a 4 speed and you like hitting the red line - 350 roller motor
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Wallaceburg Ontario
Originally Posted by Gordonm
Use the right oil and you will have no problems. I run a flat tappet and use Valvoline racing oil. Has all the additives needed to keep a flat tappet alive and well.
On a similar note, I'd go with the 383; less maintenance (because of the cam) and more power down low.
- Chilli
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Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
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From: Forked River NJ
Originally Posted by Chilli
How much street driving do you do with your car? With flat tappet cams being cheaper and the "no fuss, no muss" type, I'm kind of leaning that way for my next cam. I've been told that with a flat tappet cam, the higher an oil's zinc content, the better. Is this true?
On a similar note, I'd go with the 383; less maintenance (because of the cam) and more power down low.
- Chilli
On a similar note, I'd go with the 383; less maintenance (because of the cam) and more power down low.
- Chilli
A hyd. flat tappet vs. a hyd roller should no more or less maint. Once set they should stay tha tway for a long time. The 383 will provide more torque down low but the cam choice has a lot to do with it also.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Wallaceburg Ontario
Originally Posted by Gordonm
The 383 will provide more torque down low but the cam choice has a lot to do with it also.
- Chilli
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Forked River NJ
Originally Posted by Chilli
Very true, but if later down the road you decide you want more than 400 hp, it's a lot easier to throw a roller cam in the 383 you've already got than it is to wrap a 383 around the roller cam you've already got.
- Chilli
- Chilli
