Any experienced with solid roller motors?

[Steven]

Building a motor for the 70, I was considering a solid roller. I understand all about having to check the lash, and stay on top of it. No problem, its not a DD. I'm implying as to what some folks experiences were with it. Really just interested to know if it makes it a bare to drive on the street or is it that large of a difference when your talking about power capabilities. Any comments?

 

[Paul]

My racecar had a solid roller valvetrain, but it was necessitated by the harsh environment and operating RPM. (basically from 4500-7400 non-stop for 20-30 minute sessions at a time)

For a streetcar, I don't think it's really worth the expense. Plus, hydraulic roller is much quieter.

Paul.

 

[Steven]

Indeed. I figured I'd get this response, but it never hurts to get someone with actual experience of it to talk to. Car will probably be going to pinks all out, so it may very well go with a solid roller. Simply from a reliability stand point

 

[Paul]

I would surmise that hydraulic roller is every bit as reliable as mechanical roller, they just are suited to two different operating environments.

 

[Steven]

True. However, I've had a decent amount of collapsed lifters come through on different cars in my experience. I have a set of comp hydraulic flat tappets and a couple isky camshafts sitting on the shelf that may find its way in there. But like anything I want what is a whole lot more expensive

 

[franky694]

if your revving past 5k all day then go for it. the last thing you need on the hydraulic lifter is for it to take up clearance too quickly and let the valve hang while your piston gives it a love tap :kiss:

 

[modo]

plenty of people put the paces through hydraulic lifters. i have friends that run them to 7000 rpm on a regular basis. hell look at what the renegade class guys do with factory lifters.

with that said my car has a solid roller in it and it is driven a lot on the street. i have a very lightweight valve train (titanium everything) and i rarely have to adjust them. ideally i wanted to run shaft mounts but i could not run my stock valve covers which is something i wanted to do. next time the motor is apart i am going back to a hydraulic though as there is no need for the solid rollers imo for what i want to do

 

[Steven]

Price wise it would be cheaper to stick with non roller, let alone hydraulic or solid. I will explore my options further once I pick up the shortblock

 

[LAFENATU]

I would just stick to a hydraulic roller.

 

[modo]

Price wise it would be cheaper to stick with non roller, let alone hydraulic or solid. I will explore my options further once I pick up the shortblock

nothing wrong with a flat tappet just make sure that the cam is designed for them and use a good oil with a lot of zddp (pennzoil #3623 or valvoline VR1)

 

[shaunk]

I have a solid roller camshaft in my turbo car, its a tight lash solid roller. I've checked the lash a few times and really it hasn't moved in quite a few oil changes. There worth power over a hydraulic roller cam. No difference between the solid roller and the big hydraulic roller I had in it on the street.