is a rollercam set up better than a a regular cam?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,095
Likes: 1
From: modland CT
is a rollercam set up better than a a regular cam?
i am putting a 383 stroker in my 84 vette. the engine builder offered 2 put a roller cam setup in for $400.oo additional. what are the benifits?is it worth the extra $400.00???
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 5,877
Likes: 1
From: Park Ridge IL
Re: is a rollercam set up better than a a regular cam? (yoslambo1@cs.com)
I think so. Roller cams have the potential to make more power than a tappet cam with identical lift, duration, LSA numbers. Due to the design of the roller lifters, the cam lobes can be more intense, meaning they can have more lift per a given amount of duration. This allows the cam to open the valves up quicker, hold them open longer, and close them quicker, all within the same amount of duration as the tappet cam. It would not be unusual to see a 10-20hp difference, possibly more, between a roller and tappet cam on a typical 400hp SBC. Also, the roller cams are practically wear free, the only thing you need to be concerned about is using good quality roller lifters and ensure they are adequately lubricated and that proper valve springs are used.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 774
Likes: 4
From: It's a Chevy... you can fix it with a hammer.
Re: is a rollercam set up better than a a regular cam? (Monty)
Not to mention you don't have to worry about "Breaking in the Cam". Less or NO friction means lobes going flat is not a Major concern. That means more long term durability. Often flat cam lobes is ultimately what does a motor in.
I would definitely go roller. It seems to be better in every way except $$$$$.
I have a comp cams roller valve train in my Daily Driver Motor and have total confidence in it, I feel it is bulletproof.
Rick
:chevy
I would definitely go roller. It seems to be better in every way except $$$$$.
I have a comp cams roller valve train in my Daily Driver Motor and have total confidence in it, I feel it is bulletproof.
Rick
:chevy
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,095
Likes: 1
From: modland CT
Re: is a rollercam set up better than a a regular cam? (Monty)
i am going 2 go for the roller setup.everyone ive spoken 2 says ide be stupid not to for $400.00. thanks for all the help. :) :cheers:
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,418
Likes: 1
Re: is a rollercam set up better than a a regular cam? (yoslambo1@cs.com)
I am going to have to differ with the replies here w/o information on the heads induction ect.Depends on what kind of power you are after.The Comp Extreme series has a very fast lift rate and if you are not running a set of sweet heads I don't see the point in spending the money on a retrofit hydraulic roller lifter cam set up.Might want to spend it on headers or a throttle body or something ..The point is more info than 383 is needed in my opinion
Racer
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
From: Prineville Oregon
Re: is a rollercam set up better than a a regular cam? (yoslambo1@cs.com)
Plus: once you install a roller, you can change cams and not have to purchase new lifters each time...My Dyno 2000 program shows a 40 HP increase when switching from a solid lifter cam to a roller cam with LESS duration (this is on my blown small block).
Negative: you can make more HP for near the same amount of money with other add-ons such as a small nitrous kit
Negative: you can make more HP for near the same amount of money with other add-ons such as a small nitrous kit
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,095
Likes: 1
From: modland CT
Re: is a rollercam set up better than a a regular cam? (mountainmotor)
well i already have full length headers with true duel exhaust.the heads are dart aluminum pro 1 heads.i should have 400-450 hp. i also have a built transmission & 375's in the rear.the car should rip :yesnod: i decided for the $400.oo im gonna just do it.thanks for the help. :cheers:
Instructor
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: NY
Re: is a rollercam set up better than a a regular cam? (yoslambo1@cs.com)
GM uses roller tappet cams in all V8 performance engines since 1987, so you know it's reliable. Heck my 96 Tahoe even has them. They reduce friction, which improves gas mileage and helps meet CAFE standards. Also allows more aggressive valve ramps on the lobes, and stuff like that there...
Happy New Year!
Roger
:chevy
Happy New Year!
Roger
:chevy
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Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,418
Likes: 1
Re: is a rollercam set up better than a a regular cam? (Corvette_Z51)
Quote:
"well i already have full length headers with true duel exhaust.the heads are dart aluminum pro 1 heads.i should have 400-450 hp. i also have a built transmission & 375's in the rear.the car should rip i decided for the $400.oo im gonna just do it.thanks for the help. "
See that justifies the roller.Great heads.What I was getting at say if you were going to reuse the stock heads and the builder wanted you to use the GM Hot cam for example that would have been the waste because Comps Master list has a couple of flat tappet hydraulic lobes when put together will run with the GM Hot cam and produce just as good if not better vacumm.
Would you mind telling us what cam you have chosen out of curiosity?Sounds like the car should go good
:)
"well i already have full length headers with true duel exhaust.the heads are dart aluminum pro 1 heads.i should have 400-450 hp. i also have a built transmission & 375's in the rear.the car should rip i decided for the $400.oo im gonna just do it.thanks for the help. "
See that justifies the roller.Great heads.What I was getting at say if you were going to reuse the stock heads and the builder wanted you to use the GM Hot cam for example that would have been the waste because Comps Master list has a couple of flat tappet hydraulic lobes when put together will run with the GM Hot cam and produce just as good if not better vacumm.
Would you mind telling us what cam you have chosen out of curiosity?Sounds like the car should go good
:)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,112
Likes: 220
From: Ca.
Re: is a rollercam set up better than a a regular cam? (DeenHylton)
My Dyno 2000 program shows a 40 HP increase when switching from a solid lifter cam to a roller cam with LESS duration (this is on my blown small block).
[/QUOTE
So has anyone seen a real world test of swapping a cam with same specs on same engine from a flat tappet to a roller? I've noticed too, that on my dyno program it'll give an instant +40 or so of hp, but I'm kinda' skeptical on that.
[/QUOTE
So has anyone seen a real world test of swapping a cam with same specs on same engine from a flat tappet to a roller? I've noticed too, that on my dyno program it'll give an instant +40 or so of hp, but I'm kinda' skeptical on that.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 167
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From: Marysville OH
Re: is a rollercam set up better than a a regular cam? (yoslambo1@cs.com)
Are you still running the crossfire intake? And if so what are you running ported/x-ram? Just curious because I was thinking about going with a 383? Thanks :chevy
Beau
Beau
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: modland CT
Re: is a rollercam set up better than a a regular cam? (Beau)
I HAVE AN X-RAM MANIFOLD ON NOW, BUT ONCE I PUT THE 383 IN IM GOING WITH A HOLLY 750 CARBURATER & RPM AIRGAP INTAKE. IM NOT INTO THE CROSSFIRE SETUP ANYMORE ITS JUST HP ROBBING!I AM GOING TO SAVE THE ORIGIONAL (NOT X-RAM)IN CASE I CHANGE MY MIND. I HAVE 3 PEOPLE WHO WANT TO BUY MY X-RAM ($275.00 BEST OFFER YET). IF THEY DONT COME THROUGH ILL PUT IT ON EBAY. GOOD LUCK WHATEVER YOU DECIDE :cheers:
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 167
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From: Marysville OH
Re: is a rollercam set up better than a a regular cam? (yoslambo1@cs.com)
That sounds like it is going to be a real nice runner when you get done. Good Luck with it etc.. Beautiful car by the way..
Beau :cheers:
Beau :cheers:
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
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From: Former NCM Drag Racing coordinator, National director Corvette Challenge Spring Hill, Tennessee: Whiting, New Jersey
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Re: is a rollercam set up better than a a regular cam? (yoslambo1@cs.com)
JUST DO IT :yesnod:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,302
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From: Atlanta GA
Re: is a rollercam set up better than a a regular cam? (yoslambo1@cs.com)
Just to add, I was messing around w/ desktop dyno, and did several different 350,383, and 400 setups doing hyd flat tappet vs. hyd roller. The differences ranged for 30-50 hp and 10-30 lb/ft more w/ the roller setup. I think the $400 is well worth it, also considering that they will have almost zero friction, adding to the life span. :cheers:
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,358
Likes: 26
From: Florida
Re: is a rollercam set up better than a a regular cam? ( (drives61)
Put a 383 in my 61 and went with a roller, my buddy did not and he wiped one of the lobes the first 100 miles. Could have just been a bad cam? If it is going to happen it will happen the first couple hundred miles?
[Modified by andy63, 6:44 AM 1/2/2002]
[Modified by andy63, 6:44 AM 1/2/2002]