flat tappet cam

sn-95matt5-0

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Nov 6, 2006

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Apr 25, 2008

#1

• Apr 25, 2008

• #1

alright in my budget 351 build i need a flat tappet cam because i cant justify dropping the cash on retro rollers while i'm still using gt40 heads. i need to know which ones i can use while still being efi. i want to keep the rpms low and i want as much grunt as i can get out of this motor in the low to mid rpm range.

 

Venom351R

Founding Member

Apr 27, 2002

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Apr 25, 2008

#2

• Apr 25, 2008

• #2

I'll be selling the cam in my sig once the FTI Cam is put in, its not a flat tappet though. As far as what cam to go with Im not to fimilar with Flat Tappets.

 

sn-95matt5-0

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Nov 6, 2006

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Apr 25, 2008

#3

• Apr 25, 2008

• #3

my block is a non roller. i already have a cam but to convert to roller is just way too much when i wont be able to see the higher rpms that a roller is ment to handle.

 

Venom351R

Founding Member

Apr 27, 2002

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Apr 25, 2008

#4

• Apr 25, 2008

• #4

Ahhh I see. How popular are the flat tappet cams compared to the roller cams?

 

squeak93

15 Year Member

Jun 2, 2005

2,256

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Joplin, Missouri

Apr 25, 2008

#5

• Apr 25, 2008

• #5

Custom cam from comp. Only way to go and keep the stock computer. I have one in my car (92) but it works great. I have no numbers to tell u as the car has not been to the track since the build. Cost 200 for the cam and like 75 or so for the lifters. I used a 8.20 push rod as well. Urs could be different so be sure to measure. Good luck.


BTW: they do not make an OTS cam for a flat tappet motor and stock efi computer, thats why I went custom. Only like 80 bucks more.

 

sn-95matt5-0

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Nov 6, 2006

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Apr 26, 2008

#6

• Apr 26, 2008

• #6

thanks thats what i wanted to hear. how would i go about getting a custom cam. do i email comp cams directly or do i need to go through summit or jegs?

thanks again for the help.

 

BlackVert

15 Year Member

Oct 3, 2003

5,589

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Bethesda, MD

Apr 26, 2008

#7

• Apr 26, 2008

• #7

use the joe gibbs hot rod oil ... it has more zinc which is better for flat tappets.

http://www.joegibbsracingoil.com/hotrod/index.html

 

rj95svt

Member

Jan 11, 2007

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Hayden, AL

Apr 28, 2008

#8

• Apr 28, 2008

• #8

Any 351w hydraulic cam will work because 351's have the same firing order as your stock 5.0. Your main problem with the cam will be making the computer play nice with the cam which is why you have the tweecer.

There is also a option of adapting your stock 5.0's roller lifters, dog bones, and spider to the non roller block and using a small base circle roller cam but your choices will be more limited as there isn't near as many small base circle cams out there to chose from.

 

BlackVert

15 Year Member

Oct 3, 2003

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Bethesda, MD

Apr 28, 2008

#9

• Apr 28, 2008

• #9

small base circle cams are not recommended. the dynamics change too much and it is not as reliable. i'd go flat tappet before i went with a small base circle.

while hydraulic rollers are preferable to flat tappets, they do use flat tappets in NASCAR, so they can't be all that bad ...

you can also use standard hydraulic rollers, dog bones, and the spider if you keep the lift low enough that the lifters stay far enough in the holes. exactly what that lift is, i don't know.

 

sn-95matt5-0

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Nov 6, 2006

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Apr 29, 2008

#10

• Apr 29, 2008

• #10

so would this cam be ok

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=LUN-61001&autoview=sku

i would like to stay away from machining the block because once i am able to get better heads i would like to use retro-lifters and a custom cam. but for now i'm trying to find a cheap alternative and still keep my other options open.

 

onestripevert

Member

Nov 17, 2007

54

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6

knxville, tn

Apr 29, 2008

#11

• Apr 29, 2008

• #11

duration on that cam seems a little high for an untuned combo

i have an edelbrock 224/234 496/520 and it seems to work pretty good

 

BlackVert

15 Year Member

Oct 3, 2003

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Bethesda, MD

Apr 29, 2008

#12

• Apr 29, 2008

• #12

i definately like the price

that cam looks very mild to me. it has 0* (actually -8*) overlap at .050", and only 35* overlap total. lift is not very high either. what about it would cause problems? the specs say it is not computer controlled compatible ... i wonder why?

plus, matt has a tweecer r/t, so he can tune it

 

sn-95matt5-0

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Nov 6, 2006

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Apr 29, 2008

#13

• Apr 29, 2008

• #13

yes i do plan on tuning with my tweecer. the not computer controlled thing is what i was wondering about to begin with.

would this cam be decent for my combo of 351w, gt40 heads, trickflow 351w intake nonbox,

i still dont really know how to pick a cam, so any help is appreciated.