If i want to install a roller cam in my car, and the specs are 1500rpm to lets say 5800 rpm, does that mean i have to advance my idle so it will idle? or to make it easier should i buy a idle to 5800 rpm cam and a intake to match?

Also if i buy a roller cam and roller lifters, is there anything i have to do on install that "roller" type valvetrain require?

 

All cams are designed to make power in a certain rpm band and most are generally 1000-1200 rpm on up to whatever shift point. Could be 5000 could be 8000 depending on the cam. Larger the cam, the higher the power band "starts" but that definition is not firm as many have their opinion on where actual power begins if you looked at a dyno graph of the combination.

Bigger cams tend to like higher idle speeds to be stable but that depends on how big the cam is and how well its tuned. You can have a big cam idle at 600 rpm like stock but it will not be as smooth and may not develop good vacuum so then you may want to set idle speed higher to say 800 rpm. It really depends.

IF your block is NOT a roller cam block from the factory you need a retrofit roller cam and some sort of retrofi lifter set which usually have taller bodies and a connecting link bar of some sort. Then on the timing cover, you'll need a cam button to keep cam from walking forward.

Valvesprings generally need changed to something with higher pressures for roller cams but depends on the cam and rpm range and valve weight among other things

 

thank for the info. to make it easier since i just rebuild my heads with new stock springs i'll just get a cam thats not a roller. Since its not a "roller" cam i wont need to look for a retro fit correct?

 

Right

those ranges are a guide.

On a larger motor the effective powerband would be less, smaller it may start and end later in the range. Meaning what would be a largish cam in a 305 would be rather tame in a 400.

 

Depends what you wanna do here but mild roller cams like the l98 and lt1 factory cams dont use alot of spring pressure. Bigger stuff or more agressive stuff should use more pressure. Flat tappets are cheaper and still work good just need to add oil additives for wear concerns