How many running solid rollers out there?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,150
Likes: 1
From: Carlsbad, CA CA
Who's running solid rollers out there?
Wondering how many guys around are running solid roller setups for the street. I know Solid roller cams are not recommended for the street because of lubrication issues but would like to see who has experience with it. I don't really care of valve adjustment every so often but more intersted in reliability factors. I would like to hear your pros and cons because I am seriously thinking about going solid roller in my SC 377 due to the valve float I get at high rpms.
If you guys can post here along with the specs of your motor, cam, and rpms you are pulling I would appreciate it.
If you guys can post here along with the specs of your motor, cam, and rpms you are pulling I would appreciate it.
Last edited by zelement; Sep 29, 2004 at 06:24 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,284
Likes: 4
From: Canton MI
im running a soild cam in my motor and i drive my car all over . 250 miles a week. and its fine
434 215cc afr ported and opened up to 230cc
250 260 @50 650 lift
11.1 comp
super vic jr intake converted to EFI
4000 stall Neil Chance Torque Converter
artcarr 700 r4 trans break
392 dana 44
434 215cc afr ported and opened up to 230cc
250 260 @50 650 lift
11.1 comp
super vic jr intake converted to EFI
4000 stall Neil Chance Torque Converter
artcarr 700 r4 trans break
392 dana 44
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,150
Likes: 1
From: Carlsbad, CA CA
Originally Posted by red L98
im running a soild cam in my motor and i drive my car all over . 250 miles a week. and its fine
434 215cc afr ported and opened up to 230cc
250 260 @50 650 lift
11.1 comp
super vic jr intake converted to EFI
4000 stall Neil Chance Torque Converter
artcarr 700 r4 trans break
392 dana 44
434 215cc afr ported and opened up to 230cc
250 260 @50 650 lift
11.1 comp
super vic jr intake converted to EFI
4000 stall Neil Chance Torque Converter
artcarr 700 r4 trans break
392 dana 44
What kind of engine management are you running?
250 miles a week with that cam and 4000 stall, you are nuts!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,108
Likes: 126
From: S.L.C. UT
I have a Comp Extreme energy 248/254. About 6500 rpm is as high as I take it. I haven't had any problems, but it only gets driven a few thousand miles a year. But the miles it gets are usually hard miles!
Last edited by tpi 421 vette; Sep 30, 2004 at 12:00 AM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,150
Likes: 1
From: Carlsbad, CA CA
Originally Posted by tpi 421 vette
I have a Comp Extreem energy 248/254. About 6500 rpm is as high as I take it. I haven't had any problems, but it only gets driven a few thousand miles a year. But the miles it gets are usually hard miles!
Do you know the lift of your cam with 1.6RR?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
The big problem with solid roller cams in street applications, is the radical lobe ramps, and the strong spring pressures needed to control the valve train. If you select a "street roller" or one with similar specs to the cam you have now, and keep the spring pressure reasonable, it will likely survive street usage.
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,150
Likes: 1
From: Carlsbad, CA CA
Originally Posted by CFI-EFI
The big problem with solid roller cams in street applications, is the radical lobe ramps, and the strong spring pressures needed to control the valve train. If you select a "street roller" or one with similar specs to the cam you have now, and keep the spring pressure reasonable, it will likely survive street usage.
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!
Former Vendor
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,204
Likes: 6
From: St Marys PA
Ran them in both the 406 and 434. Wouldn't go back if you paid me.
I check my lash once the new motor is run for a while. Have not touched it in a good 3 months.
THey are not as bad as people make them out to be.
I check my lash once the new motor is run for a while. Have not touched it in a good 3 months.
THey are not as bad as people make them out to be.
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
Originally Posted by zelement
Would TPI 421's cam be too radical for the street?
That IS an awful lot of duration for a 377 engine. But I make that comment from a drive-ability stand point, rather than as a reliability issue. Remember, tpi 421 vette's engine has 45 cubic inches more than yours. If I were you, I'd get on the horn with a few cam grinders. Tell them what you have and what you expect. They are best equipped to advise. You may have to call more than once. You'll soon know when you're talking to the wrong person.
RACE ON!!!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,150
Likes: 1
From: Carlsbad, CA CA
Originally Posted by chriswtx
Solid roller in my 377ci. Havent hit 8000rpm yet. Motor is still breaking in. but revs to 7000rpm with just a blip of the throttle... 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,108
Likes: 126
From: S.L.C. UT
Originally Posted by zelement
Do you know the max rpm for your cam? Wondering if that cam goes in my 377 if I would be able to see close to 8000rpm?
Do you know the lift of your cam with 1.6RR?
Do you know the lift of your cam with 1.6RR?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,150
Likes: 1
From: Carlsbad, CA CA
Originally Posted by tpi 421 vette
I don't think my cam in your 377 would make power to 8000 rpm. My peak hp on the dyno is about 6200-6300 rpm. I would guess this cam in your motor would make peak hp on a dyno around 6600-6800 rpm. It would probably pull to 7000 rpm strong. If I remember right, my lift with 1.6 rockers is about .600 and .620. You will need more intake duration if you want to make power to 8000 rpm. Also... this cam only requires springs with about 160 seat/420 open# pressure. So I think it would hold up pretty good on the street.
If I remember correctly, isn't DieL running a solid roller in his stroker?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 1
From: NewCastle IN. USA
I've been running TPIS's 701 cam for about 10000 miles now (246 dur @ .050/ .572 lift with 1.5's).
adjustment isn't bad, I do it about twice a year (only drive in summer).
I'm using the stock computer, but I only go to 6600rpm so it works fine.
I don't think I'd trust the stock ECM for 8000rpm since it only lets you adjust air/fuel to 6400rpm @ WOT (thats MAF system, don't know about speed density).
the biggest problem I see with a 8000rpm (street) fuel injected motor is injector size, they would have to be big enough to supply fuel up top (very small time window @ 8000rpm) yet still be driveable and idle decent.
I have mine idling at 1000rpm, it idles smoother and I figure it helps lubricate the roller lifters at idle.
If you've been floating valves with your old cam I'd say go ahead and try a solid roller, even if you have to replace lifters once and awhile thats still cheaper than bending a valve or worse.
you might think about limiting the max rpm to something more like 7200-7400rpm, it might make it easier to tune and live with.
RJ
adjustment isn't bad, I do it about twice a year (only drive in summer).
I'm using the stock computer, but I only go to 6600rpm so it works fine.
I don't think I'd trust the stock ECM for 8000rpm since it only lets you adjust air/fuel to 6400rpm @ WOT (thats MAF system, don't know about speed density).
the biggest problem I see with a 8000rpm (street) fuel injected motor is injector size, they would have to be big enough to supply fuel up top (very small time window @ 8000rpm) yet still be driveable and idle decent.
I have mine idling at 1000rpm, it idles smoother and I figure it helps lubricate the roller lifters at idle.
If you've been floating valves with your old cam I'd say go ahead and try a solid roller, even if you have to replace lifters once and awhile thats still cheaper than bending a valve or worse.
you might think about limiting the max rpm to something more like 7200-7400rpm, it might make it easier to tune and live with.
RJ
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,150
Likes: 1
From: Carlsbad, CA CA
Originally Posted by ol,RJ
I've been running TPIS's 701 cam for about 10000 miles now (246 dur @ .050/ .572 lift with 1.5's).
adjustment isn't bad, I do it about twice a year (only drive in summer).
I'm using the stock computer, but I only go to 6600rpm so it works fine.
I don't think I'd trust the stock ECM for 8000rpm since it only lets you adjust air/fuel to 6400rpm @ WOT (thats MAF system, don't know about speed density).
the biggest problem I see with a 8000rpm (street) fuel injected motor is injector size, they would have to be big enough to supply fuel up top (very small time window @ 8000rpm) yet still be driveable and idle decent.
I have mine idling at 1000rpm, it idles smoother and I figure it helps lubricate the roller lifters at idle.
If you've been floating valves with your old cam I'd say go ahead and try a solid roller, even if you have to replace lifters once and awhile thats still cheaper than bending a valve or worse.
you might think about limiting the max rpm to something more like 7200-7400rpm, it might make it easier to tune and live with.
RJ
adjustment isn't bad, I do it about twice a year (only drive in summer).
I'm using the stock computer, but I only go to 6600rpm so it works fine.
I don't think I'd trust the stock ECM for 8000rpm since it only lets you adjust air/fuel to 6400rpm @ WOT (thats MAF system, don't know about speed density).
the biggest problem I see with a 8000rpm (street) fuel injected motor is injector size, they would have to be big enough to supply fuel up top (very small time window @ 8000rpm) yet still be driveable and idle decent.
I have mine idling at 1000rpm, it idles smoother and I figure it helps lubricate the roller lifters at idle.
If you've been floating valves with your old cam I'd say go ahead and try a solid roller, even if you have to replace lifters once and awhile thats still cheaper than bending a valve or worse.
you might think about limiting the max rpm to something more like 7200-7400rpm, it might make it easier to tune and live with.
RJ
RJ,
Thanks for the reply. I am not really worried about tuning or injector size because I am running the DFI gen VII. Have you heard about modifiying hydraulic roller lifters to act like solids at high rpms? I was told a company does that, if that's the case it might be a better way for me.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 758
Likes: 1
From: Cumming GA
I'm running a Billet Solid Roller.
I pulled the Bronze gear after 2 years about 3000 miles and 25 1/4 passes. Still Perfect
The only reason I would run a hydraulic roller is if I wanted all my power below 6000 RPM, other wise the SR is most reliable above 6000RPM
John
I pulled the Bronze gear after 2 years about 3000 miles and 25 1/4 passes. Still Perfect
The only reason I would run a hydraulic roller is if I wanted all my power below 6000 RPM, other wise the SR is most reliable above 6000RPM
John
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,970
Likes: 20
From: San Marcos Texas
The intake was in my original plan. I bought it when I started the project and planed on converting it to fuel injection myself. It's a Holley Prodominator Tunnelram. I was afraid I would screw up the welds so I sent it to Jeb Burnett to do the conversion to fuel injection. It came out really nice. I portmatched the runners to my heads which are portmatched to Felpro #1207. Also rewelded the headers and portmatched them to the heads, then sent them to HPC coatings. Everything turned out nice. Hope to have it to the dyno in a month or two to check the A/F ratio and HP levels. I am also going to see what it does in the 1/4 mile for fun. I'm not much of a dragracer though. I will be happy with anything above 425HP to the wheels. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 1
From: NewCastle IN. USA
quote/
Have you heard about modifiying hydraulic roller lifters to act like solids at high rpms? I was told a company does that, if that's the case it might be a better way for me. /quote
nope, unless your talking about roades (sp?) lifters, I remember they made some type of lifter that bleeds off more at low rpm for better streetablity, thats been awhile.
I don't think I would trust any "hyd roller lifter" above 6500rpm, typically Hyd lifters are heavier than solid lifters (so you'd need more spring pressure to keep it in check at high rpm), valvetrain weight is your enemy at high RPM. if you want to turn 7000+ rpm you only have two choices in my opinion: solid flat tappet or solid roller.
listen to CFI-EFI, talk to the cam tech pro's. the 377ci has been around for quite awhile and there should be lots knowledge in that area.
Have you heard about modifiying hydraulic roller lifters to act like solids at high rpms? I was told a company does that, if that's the case it might be a better way for me. /quote
nope, unless your talking about roades (sp?) lifters, I remember they made some type of lifter that bleeds off more at low rpm for better streetablity, thats been awhile.
I don't think I would trust any "hyd roller lifter" above 6500rpm, typically Hyd lifters are heavier than solid lifters (so you'd need more spring pressure to keep it in check at high rpm), valvetrain weight is your enemy at high RPM. if you want to turn 7000+ rpm you only have two choices in my opinion: solid flat tappet or solid roller.
listen to CFI-EFI, talk to the cam tech pro's. the 377ci has been around for quite awhile and there should be lots knowledge in that area.