Hey guys. Looking for some input as to weather or not its worth switching to a hyd roller cam. I built a 455 last winter. It's .030 over, probe Pistons, eagle rods, Edelbrock heads, Edelbrock Performer air gap intake, quick fuel SS-750 carb, full length headers and dual 3" exhaust. Anyway I used a Comp cams XE284H cam with their pro magnum short travel hydraulic lifters. I like the performance and rumble of the cam but find it noisy. I'm going to change the lifters out for standard hydraulic lifters and I think that may help. I'm wondering if I should continue with that plan or just scrap the whole works and switch to full roller system.

Thoughts?

 

The larger Comp cams grinds tend to get noisy.
First off though you don't have enough carb on that, 850 should be the minimum. And a roller offers distinct advantages no doubt. But you'll need to change the springs and pushrods if you go in that direction.

 

I will probably switch carbs down the road. I know I will need to replace springs and pushrods. That's what I'm trying to decide. Is it worth replacing just the lifters or am I just better to go the full roller route.

 

I wouldn't change the lifters just due to the noise and have to go through lifter break-in again, with pulling the inner valve springs and all.

Those XE cams are known to be noisy, though it's somewhat to be expected when you have an aggressive performance engine. If I was going through the effort to change lifters, I would switch it over to a roller cam at the same time.

 

If you have time like most will over the winter, I'd pull it out and go full roller! Better performance and no break in! Get that bigger carb and she will be a great runner!

 

Any cam recommendations if I go full roller? I have been looking at the Lunati Voodoo cams like this one. http://www.lunatipower.com/Product.aspx?id=3207&gid=289 Anyone have other suggestions?

Also besides cam, lifters, pushrods and valve springs, what other parts will I need for the roller cam retrofit?

Thanks.

 

You need to talk to Mark- cutlassefi, the guy who commented above. He is an excellent Olds engine builder and cam guru. He is also a Lunati dealer, hes a smart guy and a good guy. He can definately give you the recomendations you need and supply the parts as well.

 

X2! Mark is currently building me a 550+ hp stroked 455. Talk to him about a custom roller cam for your specs! Great guy and knows his stuff!

 

What did you decide to go with as for the 'full roller cam' setup? I will be giving Mark a call in the spring. I got my rotating assembly back from the engine shop and it is on the stand now waiting for spring.

 

I looked at the specs on the lunati cam you're thinking about and it's real similar to the grind that I'm running except for the LSA. I went with the 112 LSA to help improve vacuum for the brakes. My engine is real responsive and I'm pleased as punch with the grind I have. (Just to give an idea of how it may perform)
BTW, if my grind didn't perform well, this cam was my next choice.


I agree with steverw that you should talk to Mark-_cutlassefi for his recommendation though.

 

Thanks for the info. I have still not decided 100% what I am doing. I have talked to Mark but until I figure things out my decision is on hold. I have also been looking at a custom grind bullet cam but again haven't decided yet. I will update once I make a decision.