[whathaveigotinto]

what you all think i would gain switching my hyd. flattappet 241 249 @ 50 .525 .546 cam on a 11 to 1 383 with bowties to a solid cam bout the same size ?

[turbolover]

Solid cams require a slightly larger size due to the lash. I'm not a cam expert but if I had to make a guess I would say about a 5% increase of a solid over a hydraulic- assuming they have simmilar designs (which is a big assumption).

Modern hydraulic cams can do better than out dated solid cams.

There is also more to consider than the lifter, I would consult a cam expert, meaning a real cam guy, not the tech line for a major cam manufacturer.

[adantessr]

Of all the many posts I have read on here , and I mean many , I have not once seen anyone suggest going to a solid lifter cam as a means to gain performance . So , to answer your question . You stand to gain valve train noise and the extra maintenance to periodically re-adjust valve lash . JMO

[turbolover]

Then you need to read more. There is an advantage. If there wasn't one then racers would run hydraulics...

[techinspector1]

The main attributes to a solid flat tappet cam are that they are cheap to buy and they will rev to the moon, or at least they will rev until something else breaks.

Agree with adantessr, looks like a lot of work for nothing to me unless you have a bulletproof bottom end and lightweight valve train and want to take your chances with a flat tappet cam and an overabundance of valve spring. Good luck.

[adantessr]

Originally Posted by turbolover

Then you need to read more. There is an advantage. If there wasn't one then racers would run hydraulics...

I wasn't aware that he wanted to race it and run sustained high engine rpm , If that is what he intends to do then , yes lifter pump-up is a factor . For street use , stick with the hydraulic cam .

[turbolover]

Solids also have faster ramps and can take higher spring pressures. Hydraulics are easier for sure but solids are better in every other aspect. Rather flat or roller faced.

[whathaveigotinto]

Its for street strip use if its not gonna gain me 20 0r 30 hp i will stick with what i got just lookin for cheap hp lol

[turbolover]

Well the power gain on a 450hp sbc would probably be around 20+hp (if you selected the right cam) but the cost is a little higher if you run good springs and face oiling lifters. I prefer solids but it does require occasional lash adjustment and a little more money. The next step would be going roller.

Given the right cam and lifter combination a flat mechanical can beat a hyd roller. That requires a very large cam journal and mopar lifters though.