wonder the advantages of a roller cam vs. flat tappet. I know (assume) the roller has the ability to produce more power. but if you had 2 350's with just different style cams and the rollers what is the big difference? is a roller a faster revving motor? bascially wondering if it's worth the extra coin. thanks

 

Rollers make more power, are more reliable, have reusable lifters, and don't need special break-in procedures.

Flat tappets are cheap.

 

ok, last question, what do you mean about more "reliable"? is it worth extra money when spending 4-5K on a motor? thanks you've been a big help!

 

Until recently, zinc compounds were used in engine oil as anti-wear additives. Since they've disappeared, and with the introduction of modern aggressive flat-tappet cam grinds, the failure rates for flat tappet cams have increased, to the point where several engine builders I know absolutely will not warranty flat tappet cams.

 

ok, one more, with oil losing the zinc, using a royal purple or valvoline racing oil that has these additves relieve that issue? I don't have cats, just straight pipe and no emissions. but still sounds like you recommend upgrading. thanks dan

 

You can use a zinc additive, or an oil that still contains zinc.

 

The phosphorous and zinc have been removed to protect the modern emissions systems. Our "old" emissions systems aren't affected. For a flat tappet engine, use an oil that's rated CI+/SL - the "CI" being a diesel rating, and "SL" a spark ignition (gasoline) rating. It will have the phosphorous and zinc. Personally, I use AMSOIL 5W-30 Series 3000 heavy duty diesel synthetic in my flat tappet engine (only have one left).

 

YES YES YES! In my opinion, its totally worth it to use a roller cam instead of a flat cam, I mean a flat-tappet cam.

Super Chevy recently did a dyno test, and a 218/224 roller camshaft made more power and had more vacuum at idle than a 230/240 flat-tappet camshaft.

 

Spend the extra coin and get a roller cam, you can have more aggressive lobe angles and not have to worry about flattening out a lobe.