Flat tappet conversion?

[auto_x5.0]

What do I need to do a flat tappet conversion on my '94 GT? Is it worth it, will I notice a big difference than my stock hydraulic roller cam? The cam will be a compcams stage 1 flat tappet cam, gt40 heads, cobra intake and other small bolt-ons.
-thanks

 

[mustangshane]

You dont need anything to change over to flat tappet. Lifters are the same diameter. You dont install the lifter retainers. I personally wouldn't do it. Because its that much more drag on the drivetrain. I would find a good roller cam. But its up to you. I know it doesn't make a huge power difference. But everything adds up.

 

[auto_x5.0]

So I can throw the flat tappet cam in there and run it?

 

[Steven]

All you need to do is pull the spider setup out, and just set the lifters in, and get the correct pushrods. But I don't get why you'd swap. You'll increase friction in the motor, and there are no real gains to doing the swap. Roller valvetrain will always run better.

 

[wayne94mustang]

Like they said, it would be retarted to go backwards to flat tappets. Some old timers like solid lifters but I would never want to have to always check my valve clearence.

 

[Paul]

There's no good reason to convert to flat tappet. You're better off with hydraulic roller.

 

[auto_x5.0]

Alright, sounds good to me. I was just checking

 

[Steven]

Like they said, it would be retarted to go backwards to flat tappets. Some old timers like solid lifters but I would never want to have to always check my valve clearence.

Solid cams create tons of power up top. Old timers wouldn't be the best way to put it, people building serious motors would be better. In terms of keeping up with valvetrain, you'd be surprised. Have you ever had an adjustable valvetrain?

 

[Paul]

People building serious motors would use solid roller, unless the rules for which the motor was being built specified otherwise. Sure, you can make power with flat tappet, but you can make power with hydraulic roller too. There's no reason to convert to flat tappet.

 

[wayne94mustang]

Like they said, it would be retarted to go backwards to flat tappets. Some old timers like solid lifters but I would never want to have to always check my valve clearence.

Have you ever had an adjustable valvetrain?

Yes I have and do, I still say for the average Joe it is not needed or wanted.

 

[Steven]

Average joe implying who? The average guy being the guy who doesn't build motors, let alone cars. If you build motors or get into them what so ever, you should understand be able to do an adjustable valvetrain. If you pull the valve cover off and do anything other then a stock head motor, you need to know it. Adjustable isn't a walk in the park but it isn't that big of a deal. Putting a bolt on on is for monkeys, but understanding legitimate timing, and engine dynamics is something that shouldn't be over looked. Off the shelf parts only help, they don't eliminate the need to understand what your doing. Any monkey can unbolt things, but it takes someone who understands it all to make real power.

 

[wayne94mustang]

And like I said, the average joe dont need the hassle.........

 

[Steven]

The average joe doesn't build motors.

 

[Paul]

The average joe doesn't build motors.

Have you met UAW workers? LOL :laughing5:

Seriously though, I'm an average joe and I've built a motor. (singular, only one so far :tongue3

 

[wayne94mustang]

I agree, I'm average and I have built a few V8 motors and maybe 20-30 atv motors.

Steven must be thinking of below average.

 

[Steven]

The average mustang guy that I talk to who owns a mustang, does not build motors. I speak to them in regards to whats going on and it all goes over there head and out the window. I'm just saying I don't think joe schmoe who is going to pick up a 347 stroker should negate knowing anything about cam timing or valvetrain in general. Unless you have the check book to bypass it all, Its not a very good idea lol.

 

[hottwheels04]

Just to fill in he was wondering because I have a comp stage 1 flat tappet for sale, I went in the right direction and converted from flat tappet to a roller, but when I had this cam it had alot of balls alot of torque,I told him to to not go backwards,but if some guys like the power range it was good cam. if any 1 wants it its still for sale