cam shaft question

[69 Mach I]

I have lurking here for a bit and finally have a question to post. I have to choose a new camshaft for my 1969 351W. I see that I have a choice between a flat tappet and a hydraulic roller cam, with the latter costing 2x the price of the former. How do I tell if my car (1969 Mach I) came from the factory with a hydraulic roller cam or not?

ttfn,

jerryS

[Bruce Edwards]

Jerry,

The 69 came with a flat tappet cam shaft. Ford did not use the rollers till much later. Late 80's if I remember and in the 302 to start.
You can install a roller cam in the 351w but you will have to modify the lifter valley to use the Ford tie bar retainers for the roller lifters and a few other items will have to be changed.
Stick with the stock style cam unless you are racing. It will cost less.