Solid Cams... who's using?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,085
Likes: 3
From: Ottawa Ontario, Canada
Solid Cams... who's using?
What the title says... who's using solid lifter cams and what are your thoughts on them?
Everything I've read so far suggests that they're great, even in a daily driver, and offer better idle (no lifter bleed down) and better topend power (better valve control).
Sure you need to check the lash every now and again...
Is it worth it, or are there hydraulic lifters available that make solid cams obsolete?
Everything I've read so far suggests that they're great, even in a daily driver, and offer better idle (no lifter bleed down) and better topend power (better valve control).
Sure you need to check the lash every now and again...
Is it worth it, or are there hydraulic lifters available that make solid cams obsolete?
Former Vendor
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,518
Likes: 7
From: Valencia CA
They provide the ultimate in valve control and performance....typically worth 10-15 over a similar hydraulic grind regarding idle quality. Also, note that a solid roller acts some 6-8 degrees smaller than it appears based on the fact it has to account for lash. Point is take my car at 242/248 @ .050.....it really sounds and drives like a 235/240 hydraulic which in a 383 is only a medium sized stick. BUT....makes more peak power and even larger gains past peak.
You may want to review this thread....very informative covering alot of the R&D on my 383 including cam swaps....also, check the current issue of Engine Masters Magazine for a story on the same engine that is also very informative.
http://www1.ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=384450
Does require the right springs, valvetrain components, etc. but if your looking for max power its the only way to go.
Tony M.
You may want to review this thread....very informative covering alot of the R&D on my 383 including cam swaps....also, check the current issue of Engine Masters Magazine for a story on the same engine that is also very informative.
http://www1.ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=384450
Does require the right springs, valvetrain components, etc. but if your looking for max power its the only way to go.
Tony M.
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,715
Likes: 1
From: cAshburn VA
They provide the ultimate in valve control and performance....typically worth 10-15 over a similar hydraulic grind regarding idle quality. Also, note that a solid roller acts some 6-8 degrees smaller than it appears based on the fact it has to account for lash. Point is take my car at 242/248 @ .050.....it really sounds and drives like a 235/240 hydraulic which in a 383 is only a medium sized stick. BUT....makes more peak power and even larger gains past peak.
You may want to review this thread....very informative covering alot of the R&D on my 383 including cam swaps....also, check the current issue of Engine Masters Magazine for a story on the same engine that is also very informative.
http://www1.ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=384450
Does require the right springs, valvetrain components, etc. but if your looking for max power its the only way to go.
Tony M.
You may want to review this thread....very informative covering alot of the R&D on my 383 including cam swaps....also, check the current issue of Engine Masters Magazine for a story on the same engine that is also very informative.
http://www1.ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=384450
Does require the right springs, valvetrain components, etc. but if your looking for max power its the only way to go.
Tony M.
Good advice ther, from someone who knows! getting ready to build a Gen 1 383 for my 89 GTA, will be going with solid roller and AFR 210 street eliminator heads. I'll be looking tony up when I start making the parts list, you betcha!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,085
Likes: 3
From: Ottawa Ontario, Canada
Tony, you're my problem! Your excellent reports on your 383 build-up are what got me thinking about solid cams in the first place!
What are your thoughts on using a solid lifter setup in a daily driver regarding noise, long term durability, etc.? I drive my '02Z alot in the summer months. I don't mind periodic maintenance, especially if it's for a good cause... like horsepower!
Also, what's the deal with solid lifters? Are they lighter, cheaper and more durable than hydraulic ones? Also, is there any difference in the cams between a hyd. and solid, or can you run a solid lifter on any cam?
What would you have predicted for your 346 setup using a solid roller? I'm interested in using a SD tune eventually so getting a big cam to "play nice" may be a reality.
What are your thoughts on using a solid lifter setup in a daily driver regarding noise, long term durability, etc.? I drive my '02Z alot in the summer months. I don't mind periodic maintenance, especially if it's for a good cause... like horsepower!
Also, what's the deal with solid lifters? Are they lighter, cheaper and more durable than hydraulic ones? Also, is there any difference in the cams between a hyd. and solid, or can you run a solid lifter on any cam?
What would you have predicted for your 346 setup using a solid roller? I'm interested in using a SD tune eventually so getting a big cam to "play nice" may be a reality.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 880
Likes: 0
From: Detroit Area Michigan
I personally don't think that it's worth the trouble. I use to run solids in my big block Camaro, and while it was an awesome car, with todays technology, you are making tons of HP and won't ever have to look at the car, (exaggerating slightly)...imho.....bob.
