wiped cams

[blykins]

I'll go solid roller too if the lifters are the right brand. It depends on what I'm building the engine for.

Just remember, just because it broke in ok this time, doesn't mean it will next time.

There's nothing more comforting than building a fresh engine, turning the key and knowing that the cam won't wipe a lobe....or not having to do a break-in dance for 30 minutes while keeping your fingers crossed and offering sacrifices in the corner of the garage.

[undy]

Originally Posted by blykins

I'll go solid roller too if the lifters are the right brand. It depends on what I'm building the engine for.

Just remember, just because it broke in ok this time, doesn't mean it will next time.

There's nothing more comforting than building a fresh engine, turning the key and knowing that the cam won't wipe a lobe....or not having to do a break-in dance for 30 minutes while keeping your fingers crossed and offering sacrifices in the corner of the garage.

true dat..

Another thing of concern to me.. I'm starting to hear of more "after the breaker in" wiped lobes these days with flat tappets. Some of the SBCs, I'm hearing, are trashing cams 10,000, 20,000 miles after they were rebuilt. I'm starting to wonder if the non-roller cams require additives on a continued basis. Todays agressive ramping, duration and lifts, unheard of 20 years ago, may have surpassed the "long term" capabilities of the flat tappet, hydraulic or solid. Maybe today's automotive manufacturers have already realised this years ago, hence to demise of the OEM flat tappet. It would appear that "retro" will come at a price, with risk!

[RICK LAKE]

Undy It's the same thing weather you run solids or hydros. Breakin of the cam is just the start. I know alot of guys don't remove the inner springs. IMO with todays oil, the EOS additive and lucas oil is manditory for any motor to survive the first 1,000 miles. I know guys that run 3-5000 miles with only the main springs in the motor and have very good luck. They also limit the rpm's to under 3,500. There are some old threads either here or on the FE forum that talk about Johnson who makes most the lifters. Someone was maken and selling cheap lifters with low rockwell hardening on the bottom surface. I think the other thing was the camshaft cores where crap too. With all the cutting of corners today, you have too really make sure about the oil you are going to use in your motor. I get oil by the cases. Between the accusump and the motor, 12 quarts is needed. 1 bottle of EOS and 1 bottle of Lucas oil suppliment. Flat tappet are still used in some motors but on a whole either OHC motors or roller motors are here to stay. Rick L. Ps with the new stuff coming out and lighter valve trains, I am not sure why anyone would want to stay with flat tappet lifters. You can get an honest 15-30 hp different with just a camshaft change and lifters. The price of rollers has come way down from when they first hit the market. Engineers are working on lighter materials and raising the rpm and wider power bands. Next couple of years, an 8,000 rpm hydro roller motor will be running without any float of the valve train.

[RICK LAKE]

Excaliper Didn't you have a nasty race motor that had all kinds of issues? After long conversations with George and Neil you went with a tamer motor that makes almost the same power and is alot more drivable. There is a big differents between small block/ big block and there always will be. As far as camshafts and solid or hydro, the oil companies are settling this call. Roller cams are going to be a thing of the future, either solid or hydro. The lifter issues has been done over and over again. Hydros are better for normal driving over 100,000 miles. basicly no maintainance to the valve train. No adjustments. Make good power but not every last HP is pulled from this setup. Problem is lifters pumping up and the valves staying open. Solids, high rpm range, no valve float, depending on abuse, once or twice a year maintainance for valve lash. Wakes the motor back up after adjustments. Nice hot oil for the hands. . Have a good day and go a little easier on the pineapple juice. Rick L.

[undy]

Rick,

I think the latest and greatest flat tappet cam profiles have much more lift and fast-ramp action then their counterpart ancestors did in the 60s, 70s and 80s. Accompanying spring rates have increased proportionately too (therein lies most of the problem). That, combined with Chinese lifters and a poorer grade of iron in the cam cores, comes together to complete the nightmare. There's just too many negatives to sway me towards a flat tappet in any performance motor that I'll build. In fact, given the same engine, the hydraulic roller will develop as much or more HP than a solid flat tappet will, at a streetable rpm. Of course, as with all things, there'll be exceptions to the rule.

Flame-on Ernie!

Dave