billybird

hi guys im shoping around for a cam for my 89 formy 305 tpi and it shows both flat tappet and roller?..wich one is our cars?

85irocz355tpi

from 87-up all small blocks came from the factory with roller cams. But you can use a flat tappet cam in your car if you want. It's just harder to retrofit a roller cam in an 86-earlier sbc. I hope this helps and if you have any further questions let me know.

billybird

so you can put a flat tappet in with no problems i guess? thx for the info man

85gulstrandTA

Yes you could use a flat tappet cam. BUT WHY ? If you already have the motor and all you need is a cam then get the roller cam, with a roller motor you can reuse the roller lifter. Roller cams make more power with less friction, which means more mpg and less wear. If you get the flat tappet cam you will need lifter also, and todays oils are known to wipe out the cam lobes on flat tappets.

You did not say why you needed a cam ? Do you just want more power ?
The 89 305 TPI with the 5 speed manual has a pretty fair cam...same as the 350 TPI's