roller cam or flat tappet???
 

What cam to use in a l78 396 flat tappet solid or a solid roller?With all of the past cam problems a roller might be the answer. The car is going to be a show car that isnt driven alot. Lots of start and shut off.I never had a problem in the past with a flat tappet cam. Have heard other people with cam troubles in bb chevrolets. What are the members using in there show cars? thanks John p.s. I always use rotella oil and comp cam oil additive (zinc)

Re: roller cam or flat tappet???
 

I put a mild solid roller in mine. With all the starts/stops, it just make sense to go the safe route. Also, no break in concerns, or dealing with oil additives. I'll never build another big block with a flat tappet cam.

Re: roller cam or flat tappet???
 

Either or John. Usually a solid cam gives you some leeway becuase of the clearance. Never had a problem with a flat tappet. Need to lube it up real good for the initial start and after that I use Brad Penn. Rotella is great but they took alot of the zinc out. There was a bad run of cams a couple years back but nothing lately. What cam is in your green L78 car? How about your Z/28's? Are they all rollers?

Re: roller cam or flat tappet???
 

We put a Crower Solid Roller in Williams Black RS/Z after the flat tappet bit the dust...

Re: roller cam or flat tappet???
 

nothing but rollers

Re: roller cam or flat tappet???
 

I can't give Crower (Dave Crower) a better or more glowing recommendation... he was extremely helpful and explained everything thoroughly.
I did not question his lift specs...even though other people did/have and after driving the little 302 William couldn't be happier either.

I gave Dave the following information:
1. car make model
2. weight
3. Gear ratio - Diff
4. gear ratios - trans
5. tire height
6. CUI - and Compression ratio - rod length etc.
7. RPM max
8. Flow numbers on the heads from .100 - .700
9. Intended use

I told him I did not care about a PEAK number I wanted something that would have a torque curve that was fat where the engine would spend most of it's time... he delivered... on the street it is extremely easy to drive without your foot in it... with your foot in it the whole attitude changes forget about nailing the throttle... the forward movement is overcome by tire smoke.

When you ROLL into the throttle it blisters the bias plys in any gear. It is incredibly fun now, with the centerforce clutch it's near as easy to drive as a Honda.

Afterwards he asked if I would like some conservative desk top numbers. BTW These numbers would be header w collectors only.
HP- 500+ 7500 self imposed red.
Torque - 475+ ft# @ 5500 (350 ft# @ 3500 rpm)

Re: roller cam or flat tappet???
 

Jim, If you want no issues persay. Go with a roller cam, start the motor up. Check the motor for any leaks and issues. And let it rip. I did that last week end. Benny

Re: roller cam or flat tappet???
 

Now THAT is a pretty good endorsement from a fellow that had outstanding results last weekend!!

Re: roller cam or flat tappet???
 

BBbenny let it rip for sure with a roller! I even asked if he was gonna take it easy on the first pass. He said, nope, gonna let it rip.