[Jack21]

Another thing to consider in cam selection is flat tappet vs roller tappet. Most OEM's are putting hydraulic roller cams in their engines these days. Most cam grinders, Crane, CompCams, etc., have hydraulic roller retrofit cams for virtually every popular engine. It's worth the difference in cost for the performance benefits. Since the lifter rolls, rather than slides, the engine uses less torque to turn the cam, and makes that recovered torque available at the rear wheels to push the car. This alone is substantial. 40 - 50 ft/lb. Like adding another 30 - 40 cubic inches to the motor. Second, the rollers open the valves faster, and hold them open longer. More air/fuel in the engine. You can use a milder grind for better off-idle and mid range, and still have the top end when you need it.

I used a CompCams hydraulic roller on a 351W. Spec's are 224/224 & .533/.533. It pulls 16" vacuum at 750 - 800 RPM idle. (I was expecting 11" - 12" from previous flat hydraulic grinds.) Motor pulls like a diesel at low rpm in OD, and feels like I've added 4 more cylinders from 3000 RPM up.

Street Rodder just finished a 390FE build up. They used a Crane hydraulic roller retrofit. The numbers will astound you. Unlike the 427 side oiler, Ford made millions of 390 FE's from about 1958 to around 1976. They're still lurking in Galaxies, T-Birds, and Station wagons. People are almost giving them away free. All you need is the block. Hmmm. Maybe there's life left in the old FE after all.