[chanson]

What are the upsides and downsides to using either a hydraulic or solid roller cam. I am building a 388 sbc for use in a bracket car. I am looking for no more than 6500-7000 rpm out of the motor. The short block I have is a 4 bolt main and has already been internally balanced. I have heard that you can get decent horsepower gains from the decreased friction from a roller setup as well as more aggressive cam profiles. I plan on using a set of Iron Eagle 215cc heads with 2.08/1.60 valves and the compression ratio should be about 12/1. Any suggestions on which type of cam would be best, and if so part numbers would be appreciated.

[LilSmoke]

>>>U say its a 388, ive got a 388,but it is a bow tie block with pontiac raised ports and there is no other cam to use but a roller.If it is street driven,then a hydraulic is in order mainly because at low rpms the rollers dont get enough oil,but ive heard that the new lifters are drilled to fix that so of course if its race only a solid is the only way to go.Please dont think im bragging or anything but mine makes 735 hp and is very dependable as far as both consistent and no maintenence at the track is concerend.

>>> If u need cam info I can give u a # to call if u want it.
Its Howads cams at 920-233 5228 . Ask for Robert, he runs it now that donnie Johansen sold it to competition products and is very knowledgable from t/f on down. I dont use anything else but their cams anymore and have never had a lobe failure or a prob with warranty or getting taken care of. Plus i know that they are alot cheaper than everyone else. mY last roller was 218 so its alot better than crane or comp cams.

>>>My specs are

>>>Bow tie block

>>>Eagle 4340 crank

>>>Eagle 3d rods with L-19 bolts

>>>Howards roller .675/620 286/292 @.050 112

>>>J&E >043/ 1/16/3/16 pistons 14.8 comp

>>>Pontiac raised port heads

>>>Jesel rockers 1.65 1.6

>>>titanium valves

>>>K Motion 1000h springs

>>>Jesel belt

>>>Dart intake 2 inch spacer

>>>9375 dominator

>>>MSD crank trigger

>>>Stefs pan


Am very pleased with the way it runs,and is alot lighter thanthe 555. It has run 8.10 in a 1500 lb altered at 4500 ft so it runs real gd.

>>>Thanks for letting me rant but maybe it will give you some ideas to kick around.

[BOBCRMAN@aol.com]

If you are going to limit the motor to around 7 grand then go with the hyd roller, upside=no constant valve relash,lots of good power producing profiles and valve spring combos, downside=none, other than the rpm limit.