[Greg T]

I have been making cars go fast since 1970 and there is one thing I have never done. I have never used a solid lifter cam.

So, having no experience with these, can someone tell me the advantages of solid lifters? I know, disadvantages = noise and adjustments. Just looking for advantages.

Thanx!

[Rick WI]

The simple bottom line, it can open the valve faster and higher for a given duration. That makes more power. The lifters can also be much lighter, making the valvetrain more stable.

[Greg T]

HHmmm, I like that idea. Higher revs with lower spring pressures. Gonna be a daily driver with an occasional strip pass so I want to be able to rev it now and then.

[Rick WI]

Higher revs likely, lower spring pressures not likely due to lobe intensity.

[n-gin]

How often would someone have to adjust a solid cam. I would think that the only reason would be if the cam was wearing or lifter and then it got sloppy, and require adjustment.

[302 Z28]

Few things sound as good a solid lifter SBC with a set of headers through some decent mufflers (not loud). The key to keeping solid lifters adjusted is screw in studs with high quality locks.

Vince

[Irelands child]

The nice part about solid lifter is the fact that you can vary the valve openings to suit the weather conditions - and actually set intake and exhaust differently. I played around with that a lot in the early to mid '60s with my 406 and 390ci solid lifter HiPo Fords. I still have the old P&G Valve Gapper - but am to the point that a hydraulic lifter/camshaft has enough for my street driving.

Dave W

[F-BIRD'88]

The advantages are more power especialy above 6000rpm and more rpm.

Hydraulics are for da GiRlIe MaN .

[Rick WI]

Originally Posted by n-gin

How often would someone have to adjust a solid cam. I would think that the only reason would be if the cam was wearing or lifter and then it got sloppy, and require adjustment.

I'm breaking one in on the dyno today, came home to let the dogs out to go we we. After break in the lash will need to be set. For a race application we have found it reasonalbe after two race weekends to inspect. On the street, every oil change after a couple of weekend cruise outings. Once things take a set things won't vary much at all.

[Greg T]

Thanx folks! I think when all is said and done i will finally try a solid cam. I need to sell my 78 Camaro to fund this this little endevor so i have some time to plan. I'm thinking of starting with a Blue Print 383 short block, adding AFR Eliminator heads, Comp 12-677-4 cam, Stealth Air Strike intake, and maybe an 850 cfm something to be determined.
All going into an extended cab s10 with a TH475 and 4.10 gears.

Still dont know what to do about the prop shaft.

[Double_v23]

As stated before they are alot better above 6000 rpm. I like them because when you set them, you know exactly where they are at.

None of this "then go another 1/4 to half turn" junk.

I agree with the adjustment schedule listed above for racing but in my BBC with ARP locks I only had to adjust it once a year and once it was all broken in it would only be out of adjustment by a few thousandths on one or two valves. That was a solid roller though so it might not apply here.