Can i use a "normal" flat tappet cam in my 89 L98 GTA? I want to put a cam in it but dont see the point of spending $250 plus the lifters for the roller cam. Is there any equivalent to any of the roller cams for my car? Correct me if im wrong, but the 85 and 86 cars had a flat tappet cam right? Also, what would i have to change? I know my pushrods would be too short, but what about rocker arms? I just want a mild cam to help out an otherwise stock 350. THX guys

 

Roller cams are better and worth the money, but its your pocketbook. Yes you can use a non-roller cam and non-roller lifters in your roller engine.

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well thats cool. but would i have to get new pushrods too? I was also wondering what would be a good cam that would work with TPI? Just a mild cam is all i want, itll help out with the mustang stomping. What cams are the 85-86 TPI guys running?

 

One of the beautiful things about roller cams is that you get to re-use your lifters if they're not damaged. So the only thing you really have to replace is your cam, although it's wise to do the timing set at the same time. To cahnge over to flat tappet, you'd have to replace the cam, lifters, and push rods at least, and the timing set too.

Rollers are better, period. They allow either a much more aggressive cam profile to be used (which the factory didn't take advantage of) which in turn allows shorter valve timing (better vacuum and gas mileage) at teh same time as greater "area under the curve" of valve motion (more power when you want it).

My advice is to save your pennies a few more weeks until you have enough money for the roller cam, it's worth it not to downgrade your car.

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"So many Mustangs, so little time..."

 

Roller cams and flat tappet cams call for different length pushrods because of the different heights of the lifters.

Roller liftes are a lot taller than flat tappet lifters so they require a much shorter pushrod.

Jake

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1986 Corvette Coupe, 415 CID, Edelbrock 6073s, ZZ9