I have a 1973 302, are roller cams that much better than a regular solid lift cam? Will they make that much more power, that is hard for me to believe. I still can not make up my mind on a 302 or a 351, or a stroked 302.I am sorry guys, but this is really driving me nuts. Thanks Steve
solid flat tappet cams are great budget racing cams. You can use "regular" valves, springs, keepers, and retainers, etc and you can really make some decent power. They're also reliable provided they are broken in properly. Solid rollers are awesome for making all-out horsepower, but require stiff springs and excellent retainers and keepers. They're usually pretty hard on valvetrain parts in general, but with good stuff you'll be ok. The rollers also eventually wear out and have to be rebuilt/replaced. Depending on what a particular combo is, a solid flat-tappet cam might be better. Most don't know that a flat tappet cam has a higher rate of lift below around .200" lift, but after that the roller's profile is much steeper. If the heads have excellent flow below .200" lift, a roller will not make much difference powerwise. Also, it's possible to make more top-end power with a roller due to less friction. Down side is they're expensive. I think the norm is to pay around $1200-$1500 for cam, lifters, and all the "good" valvetrain parts. A solid flat tappet cam is usually around $150 total, which makes them a great choice for us budget-minded gearheads Also, your engine choices will be dictated by your car and what you plan to do with it. If its strictly a bracket car, go with a stock-stroke 351 as they can be made to really make good power reliably. Heads up racing, you'll probably go with a stroker 351w with good heads and maybe some nitrous. But for most street cars, its hard to beat a good ol' 302. Easier to work on, bolts right in, and will make great power for it's size. Good luck
Mavman, Thanks for the info, I will just use a regular old solid lift, or hydrolic for that matter I guess. I am just going to be mostly driving around town, but remember I have to beat the 12.80/12.90 109 mph LS1 camaro. So if I can do it with a 302 I will just use a 302. I have some 1969 351 heads with 1.94 and 1.60 titanium exhaust valves, and I took them to a gentleman in the Columbus area who is good w/ performance oriented engines and he said they have been seriously ported by someone who was not a novice with port work. I know they arent AFR but I think they will beat the Ls1 even with a 302 or 306. Or I could build a 331, but for now I will shut up and let you go. Once Again Thanks Steve
Just an fyi, I was at the strip this weekend, and saw met someone with a 90 convertible stang run 12.01 in the quarter. I stopped to talk to him. Keep in mind now that your mav is likely 500 lbs lighter than him. He was running a late model roller block, topped with afr 185's, an edlebrock performer intake, and a 10 pound vortech supercharger. I am sure that with proper hook up and more runs he could be well into the 11's. Since you are much lighter than him, I could see a similar combo without the blower running 12.80 easy.
Cityboy, Mavman is 100% right! If you are on the budget I think you are on then going with the flat tappet cam in a non-roller block is the way to go. Now with that said you will have to remove the inner valve springs if you use a double valve spring when you break in you cam, and when you first start your motor run it for at least 20 to 30 minutes at 2500 to 3000 rpm for a new cam. Then you can re-install your inner springs, set your valve lash and go kick some ass. I know that all this must sound like a lot of hard work and YES it is... but you also sound like someone who loves there Mav or Comet and wants to show some smart ass that these old cars can really run. Good luck and keep asking your question! Terry Gates AKA Bossmav
Bossmav, You hit the nail on the head, this guy still lives w/ his parents so w/ no house payment he pays for this 26,000 dollar car instead. I like the car but this guy thinks it is something it is not. I think we have decided to go with a 351 or 393, but I do not know if the 69 windsor heads will be good enough for that. I will get some victor jr's next year. Thanks Steve
Re If you only have a choice between afrtermarket heads and stroker kit get the heads. If you have the money build a 347 with some Good heads. Stock heads are going to really hurt you on power.
build you a 302 roller and when you beat up on them LS1 camaro that will make it a 347 they think that way (camaro boys)thats the fun of a 302 this is the way to have a 347 with out the expense i run a comp solid-roller xr280 EX 614 248 --IN 608 242 this is a street cam for 350 - 370 gear have used 4 cams in my car i stoped at this one some how get you a set of afr 185 you will have to change the springs with this cam got my cam new in box off e-bay 130.00 lifters at goug herbert 199.00 FORDMAN & THE E-BAY RACE CAR
