Anybody running a solid roller cam?

[Tomdeg]

Hey all,
Looking to build a roller stroker motor and store my original engine for safe keeping. I want to try to keep the "clack clack clack" of my Hipo as the mechanicalcam is part of the "soul" of the gt350. Looking for recommendations of off the shelf or custom grind. If custom, can you share the specs? Looking for smooth idle and good drivability like the original. Thanks in advance.

[camp upshur]

prior to picking the grind I would suggest addressing two problematic areas:

-compatibility of distributor gear to camshaft, especially if the solid roller is ground on on an SAE 8620 camshaft;
-which type of roller tappet to employ: ie a needle bearing tappet or a bushed roller.

these are the historic points of failure and there is so much out there based on conflicting fact, opinion and experience that one should be comfortable with these topics, as it will in the end be your decision.

after the potentially catastrophic items above, putting one on the street comes to decisions about lobe ramp acceleration and lash (tight-lash designs). a street application is very different than a track application (which is torn down/inspected frequently). these can make a solid roller 'streetable' (but do cut down the horsepower and tappet-noise of a race roller).

I've been running solid rollers in my 65 GT-350 for decades-and still do.

[JohnSlack]

prior to picking the grind I would suggest addressing two problematic areas:

-compatibility of distributor gear to camshaft, especially if the solid roller is ground on on an SAE 8620 camshaft;
-which type of roller tappet to employ: ie a needle bearing tappet or a bushed roller.

these are the historic points of failure and there is so much out there based on conflicting fact, opinion and experience that one should be comfortable with these topics, as it will in the end be your decision.

after the potentially catastrophic items above, putting one on the street comes to decisions about lobe ramp acceleration and lash (tight-lash designs). a street application is very different than a track application (which is torn down/inspected frequently). these can make a solid roller 'streetable' (but do cut down the horsepower and tappet-noise of a race roller).

I've been running solid rollers in my 65 GT-350 for decades-and still do.

It's only money and at this point bushed rollers are my preference. However if you check your lash often you can keep an eye on wear.


John

[aj]

I've had a solid roller in my otherwise stock 70 Boss 302 for many years.  Don't skimp on lifters