Can I do this?

moonenn3186

Founding Member
Jan 9, 2002
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Dubuque, Iowa
Can I use hydro-roller cam valve springs with a flat tappet cam?

I am taking the heads (Windsor JR) of my roller 5.0 and want to put them on an older 351w with a flat tappet cam (Its a bigger FMS one if that matters)?
 
i think you can, but, roller cam springs are usually heavier duty, therefore it takes more power from the engine to lift them, and on a flat tappet this is not needed, and i dont know if this would ruin the cam. you can run real light springs with flat tappet cams. with the not real heavy duty springs and the lifters being non hydraulic you get extra horsepower, not much but every little bit helps. i say you can, but i wouldnt do it.
 
I guess I was not clear enough.

So for clarification: The heads are Roush 180s with double 1.440 diameter 130lbs @ 1.825 seat pressure with a max lift of .600 valve springs.

The cam is Ford Motorsport Hydro Flat Tappet cam (not a roller) 236/246 296/306 520/538 5750 shift point.

I decided to ask this question after I the engine was put togter and in the car...so I am hoping these springs will not flatten my cam...