Just bought an '86 Iroc with a 305 TPI and the 305 gots ta' go. I don't think they had a roller cam til '87. Can anyone back me up on this? I think '86 was an oddball year. I'm gonna start from scratch with a 350 but was wondering if I should just get a 350 block and save lotsa money by not going with a roller cam. I just can't see spending all that extra dough to build one with a roller cam, but I'm all ears about your opinions of advantages of a roller cam. Basically, is it worth it or not? Most cam manufacturers list their cams for TPI as post '86 roller cams, but would it be hard to find a non-roller hydraulic cam that is well suited for TPI?

P.S. not expecting to go with too much h.p. probably 250-260, but likely not over 300.

 

If you dont want all that HP, go flat-tappet(non-roller)

Roller will give you the benefit of faster acting ramps, less friction, and generally more lift with less duration as compared to a flat-tappet cam.

The extra $ is worth it if you wanna make some good gains in HP.

Judging by my sig, i should have listened to my own advice :P

 

it's a good idea to have roller, but will save you a decent amount of money since you don't have a roller already. i'd say just go with a flat tappet cam as it will get you the 300hp your looking for easily. the new xe series from comp cams seems to work very well with tpi's from the testing i've done and researched.

 

as i always say...
1-what do you want???
2-what kind'a budget do you have???
consider it seriously and you'll get the answer, sure a couple of ponys more do feel a-ok.
fernando.

 

There are 86 SBC's that are roller cam, but I dont think the 305 was RC back then. Funny, My Father and I were talking about NASCAR engines the other day. Did you know the WC cars run flat tappet cams and the Bush cars run roller? Which ones make more power?


SSC

 

I'd say dont' do roller. here is why I say that. flat=$150 roller=$500 so for $350 that is almost a nitrous kit :-) and you'll get more power outta that. just my 2cents though

 

The Busch cars also re-use their cams multiple times in motors for tracks that need similar characteristics. The Cup cars pretty much destroy a cam during a race, one of theirs certainly won't run 2 races let alone a whole season.

Personally I like rollers. That's what I run in my motors including ones from before 87. My money is where my preferences are

 

like rb i like rollers, last 2 engines i did for me were rollers (hydrolic) never built a roller for anyone else, but money is always something to be considered.

 

Thanks guys, I do appreciate the input and will probably go with a flat tappet cam because I'm just finishing school, getting married, and probably going to be very poor-- unless the fiance gets a good job [fingers crossed] because if I'm lucky I'll get a job flight instructing which pays next to nothing. Plus it might end up being her car, so 300 hp could be dangerous to all you guys out there! I'll post this question elsewhere too, but will late model centerbolt heads fit up to my '86 stock tpi intake manifold??

 

good luck with your flying, iceman.
remember to start it pays next to nothing, but in time... you'll be collecting camaros.
Fernando.

 

i went with a roller and i don't think it turned out to be much more expensive than a tappet. my hot cam was $185 shipped from scogin-dickey and i reused the lifters that came with the motor. either way you go, you'll need to at least get new springs and have your valve guides milled.

a roller would give you 10-20hp and probably better mileage because there's less friction.

 

Definitely go with a hyd. roller setup!! It's cheap power!!

You can get all the parts except the cam at the junkyard from a 86 and newer passenger car with either the 305 or 350 (also 4.3l v-6 for some parts). You need the spider hold down, 16 roller lifters, and 8 lifter retainers(figure 8 shaped piece).

For the cam, go to www.goautocenter.com and check out the 'special deals' section. They have plenty of different grinds - some with fuel pump lobes and some without. Most of them are only $80. Check 'em out!

Scott

 

There's a loaded question..... lol