Thread: Roller Camshafts worth it or not?

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This is a generalized question I am wondering if Roller cams and lifters are worth the extra money to increase performance. Do they produce more torque or horspower? If so how much of an increase? They must have quicker response with the decrease of friction due to the roller lifters.

If you are racing, yes. If you have a street machine or daily driver, my opinion is maybe. If you are one of those people that are trying to squeeze the most hp and torque possible out of an engine, and you don't mind forking over all the extra money, roller lifters are the answer. I could have made at least 25 more hp had I used a comparable hydraulic roller cam, and even more if I would have installed a rev kit so I could get over 6000 rpm without valve float. Add a single plane manifold, and I could be at 500 hp. But for me, I have more than enough power the way it is, and my ego is not such that I need to have 500 hp under the hood. It can be done with a lot less money if you go with a solid roller lifter cam, but then you will have to deal with setting the lash every so often. So people don't mind doing that because the trade off is you won't get valve float. If you are lucky enough to have a late model block that came with roller lifters, then it's a no brainer.

Roller cams are definatly worth the extra money, ESPECIALLY on street motors. The reduced friction from a roller cam is negligable. The advantages are faster valve lift and closure rates. Have you noticed that high rpm, horsepower cams often make more peak torque than low rpm, torque cams? This is because the high rpm cams typically have more valve lift. The more valve lift you have the more torque you have. Flat tappet cams are severely limited on how quickly they can lift the valve (the edge of the lifter will dig into the lobe if it is too steep). With a short duration, torque cam, there is very little time to get the valve to full lift and close it again. As a result, lift is limited. Roller cams can bump the valve off of the seat much more quickly. Roller cams are ideal for street use because they have a shorter duration for a given lift which results in a broader powerband with more torque available at lower rpms. I think an LS6 runs a 204/218 duration at .050" with .550 lift. I think they have 1.75:1 rockers which would equate to .471" lift with a 1.5:1 rocker. I am running a Comp Cams Xtreme Energy cam. These cams really max out the lift rate capabilities of a flat tappet cam. but with a .050 duration of 212/218 I can achieve a lift of only .447/.454"

I was told that if you do install a roller cam you need bigger valves in order to handle to flow. Like 2.02 intake valves how true is that. I currently have 1.85 intake and 1.5 exhaust. Is that to restrictive for flow. On another note I was told having smaller valves creates more turbulance creating a better air fuel mixer. I currently have a sbc327 with a carb.

Is it possible to install hydraulic roller lifters to achieve the faster lift to a non roller cam. And is it even practical. Will it change the duration? I'm assuming it would. Current cam is A Comp cam Part # 12-238-2 with 262/270 adv. duration with a lift of.462/.469. Degreed at 104 center intake line.Also have 1.5 roller rockers on intake and exhaust. I value your expertise and opinions. From what I read on hotrod forums I'm very impressed with everyones imput. And appreciate you all to take the time and answer.

Originally posted by 327camaro
Is it possible to install hydraulic roller lifters to achieve the faster lift to a non roller cam. And is it even practical. Will it change the duration? I'm assuming it would. Current cam is A Comp cam Part # 12-238-2 with 262/270 adv. duration with a lift of.462/.469. Degreed at 104 center intake line.Also have 1.5 roller rockers on intake and exhaust. I value your expertise and opinions. From what I read on hotrod forums I'm very impressed with everyones imput. And appreciate you all to take the time and answer.

No you would not want to do that the profile and ramp of a roller cam is steeper and longer than most other types...because of the effecentcy(spelling) of the roller lifters

IMO you have teh money spend it, it is worth it!

What about the heads could they handle a roller cam they are either 58cc or 62cc. #14014416. Stock deck height. bored .03 over. with flat top pistons.

Originally posted by 327camaro
What about the heads could they handle a roller cam they are either 58cc or 62cc. #14014416. Stock deck height. bored .03 over. with flat top pistons.

Well as long as you have the proper springs in the heads you shouldn't have a problem....I would reccomend consulting a tech at your favorite cam company! we usually use Comp Cams, those guys are there to help you know one knows cams better than them!

A roller cam isn't inherently high performace, max lift, max duration, etc... If you pick the right cam, it will work perfectly with your stock heads, valves, intake manifold, etc... Most cam manufacturers will recommend you get stiffer valve springs, though. This is just a precaution against valve float. This is true of roller and flat tappet cams.

A good mechanical roller cam and roller lifters and the bronze gear for you distrbutor will set you back $550 to $650 not to mention stiffer valve springs and better push rods another $150.Why not put the money into some good heads.If your present heads don't flow well enough what is the point of running a roller cam and roller lifters?

Roller cams can get better fuel milage. It may save money if you drive a lot.

Originally posted by 76GMC1500
Roller cams can get better fuel milage. It may save money if you drive a lot.

I would say a majority of the roller cams out there are for max. performance and most people who install these cam's do so expecting more horsepower.

Hydraulic roller lifters can pound out a cam in a few cold weather starts. They aren't all they're cracked up to be.I've seen too many early failures to trust them in an everyday driver, even though my main beater has a roller in it.

Roller lifters are unreliable? Every single pushrod motor that comes out of detroit or any other place where they make cars uses a roller cam nowadays. Engines are lasting longer, making more power, and burning less fuel than ever today. Part of that is thanks to the roller cam. Also, why did all of those roller cams fail? It's possible they were in race motors where people plug up the drain back holes in the lifter valley which starved the cam of oil. Improper installation of the lifters, they weren't lined up with the lobe properly. Or whatever other reasons roller cams fail that aren't the fault of the cam itself. I know of a great number of flat tappet cam failures as well. It is unnervingly common for a flat tappet cam to fail during breakin and trash a brand new motor. Of course, it is due to insufficient assembly lube, improper break in procedure, excessive lift for valve springs, etc... But it is still very common.