View Single Post
  #10 (permalink)  
Old 09-12-2009, 01:36 PM
blykins blykins is offline
CC Member
Visit my Photo Gallery

 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Louisville, KY
Cobra Make, Engine: I'm Cobra-less!
Posts: 9,415
Send a message via AIM to blykins
Not Ranked     
Default

Berm,

OEM roller lifters are hydraulic rollers.

A hydraulic roller lifter stays in contact with the cam lobe at all times.

A solid roller lifter is bounced off of the lobe because of valve lash. The needle bearings take a shock load in addition to valve spring pressure.

If you're wanting to keep the horsepower of a roller cam along with no maintenance, you can switch to a hydraulic roller camshaft.

For the Cobra community, I have no trouble recommending a solid roller cam (with pressure fed lifters). Most Cobras don't see a lot of miles per year.

Flat tappet cams used to be an option years ago with oil additives were in their prime, but these days, you're taking a great risk when you go to break in a flat tappet cam. Not only do you lose horsepower compared to a roller lobe, but you risk wiping the lobes off the cam and scattering metal throughout the entire engine, which necessitates a rebuild.

I won't build an engine without using a roller cam.
__________________
Lykins Motorsports, LLC
Custom SBF/Cleveland/FE/385 Series Engines
Street, Road Race, Drag Race, Pulling Truck
www.lykinsmotorsports.com
www.customfordcams.com
brent@lykinsmotorsports.com
Reply With Quote