What is a flat tappet cam?

See all 30 photos A flat tappet camshaft is set up where the lobe and lifter ride against each other where the lifter spins on the cam lobe. The lifter must spin on the lobe to prevent destructive and unnecessary wear. Flat tappet cam break-in is critical to long life.

Why use a flat tappet cam?

The flat-tappet cam lobe is more pointed at peak lift, while the roller cam nose tends to be rounded; this means the roller is holding the valve open at higher lift for a longer period of time, which results in a greater fuel/air charge. The lobe shape also opens the valve much faster.

Can you replace a flat tappet cam with a roller cam?

Flat-tappet cam lobes are ground at a very slight angle to prevent the cam from moving. Roller cams cannot be machined this way, so a roller-cam button is employed to limit cam movement.

Can you run roller lifters on a flat tappet cam?

It is possible to run hydraulic flat-tappet lifters on a solid flat-tappet cam, and hydraulic roller lifters on a mechanical roller cam. The rules in some racing classes restrict competitors to running hydraulic valve lifters. Cheaters have been known to run hydraulic lifters on a mechanical (solid) cam profile.

How long will a flat tappet cam last?

As a general rule high lift cams with flat tapped lifters tend to wear out in 25k with roller lifters going further. The cam blanks for the last 20 years have been soft and not near the quality of OEM and that’s been a big problem.

Can you run roller lifters on a flat-tappet cam?

Why are solid lifters better?

The real difference is in the lifters, with a corresponding change in cam-lobe profile to accommodate the requirements of the lifter. Solid cams have a reputation for higher rpm power, and for some, the image of a race-only piece.

Can I put roller lifters on a flat tappet cam?

Can you run hydraulic lifters on a flat tappet cam?

Can you use roller lifters on a flat tappet cam?

It is possible to run solid flat tappets on a hydraulic flat-tappet cam and even mechanical roller lifters on a hydraulic-roller cam.

Can you run solid lifters on a hydraulic flat tappet cam?

What is required to convert flat tappet to roller?

Absolute Lift (This is lift measured from the center line of the cam.

  • Thrust Angle (For a roller cam,this is the angle the contact force is acting on the follower,typically putting some amount of side loading or thrust on the follower.)
  • Contact Point (How far from center of the follower has the contact point moved.)
  • How to convert flat tappet to roller?

    Leos1978

  • uedlose
  • bdbolling19. You can either drill and tap the holes in the block,then buy the stock roller guides and roller lifters.
  • chattanooga
  • rm.lydon08
  • YLDPONY. I thought 93-97 came with a hydraulic ROLLERS,but I guess not?
  • rm.lydon08
  • YLDPONY. That would be sick in an ’86 LX.
  • chattanooga. That would be sick in an ’86 LX.
  • YLDPONY. Click to expand…
  • What is a hydraulic tappet?

    What is a Hydraulic Tappet? A hydraulic tappet is a device used to open and close valves in an internal combustion engine. Riding on the camshaft lobe, the hydraulic tappet, or lifter as it is commonly called, actuates the valve via a push rod and rocker arm.

    What is high performance camshaft?

    “Look, it was our last opportunity to play at home. We always kind of talk about, when we hear people say, ‘must win games’, today was a must win game. Other than that, any game prior is not, that just means you have to win that game. Our guys understood that, and this was a good win to get.”