ZDDP content in oil vs flat tappet cams

[G-Body_Vet]

the cost over a F-T cam.

Oh ok! No, it won't be a grand more but definitely more than a FT setup would be initially

 

[drogg1]

Ya I agree. A little looking turned up that a retro fit pontiac roller is around 325 and a set of roller lifters is even more, at least 375. So you're lookin at around 700 dollars verse the around 475(275 cam, 200 lifters) for a chevy setup.

So the upgrade from a flat tappet cam on a pontiac will cost you 700 - 200 = 500 dollars versus the 475-200 = 275 dollars of upgrading a chevy flat tappet to roller. It all depends on what you have available. I think a flat tappet can run just as well in a performance motor as a roller, just more steps need to be taken for break-in and maintenance.

 

[SScamino]

Ya I agree. A little looking turned up that a retro fit pontiac roller is around 325 and a set of roller lifters is even more, at least 375. So you're lookin at around 700 dollars verse the around 475(275 cam, 200 lifters) for a chevy setup.

So the upgrade from a flat tappet cam on a pontiac will cost you 700 - 200 = 500 dollars versus the 475-200 = 275 dollars of upgrading a chevy flat tappet to roller. It all depends on what you have available. I think a flat tappet can run just as well in a performance motor as a roller, just more steps need to be taken for break-in and maintenance.

True, but rollers have the friction advantage as well as the Roller cams lobe is shaped to allow a longer time at maximum lift and closing it faster where as the flat tappet need a smoother transition so you'll still make more power with the roller at a higher cost, but you also get more piece of mind. Both have pros and cons but if you want every little drop of power, go with a roller. Otherwise for a weekend performance car where your not racing I'd say flat tappet is better.

 

[G-Body_Vet]

a longer time at maximum lift and closing it faster

The other alternative is going with Rhoads lifters and a set of 1.65 roller rockers. I've never ran those lifters but I know their purpose. Are they really that noisy at low rpms?

 

[Bonnewagon]

My friend ran Rhodes lifters with a Pontiac 068 cam in his Firebird and I felt they were noisy. Think of how an otherwise quiet car sounds when 1 lifter is clacking, then times that by 16. But he didn't care as he was running loud exhaust anyway.

 

[SScamino]

My grandpa has them in his 78 trans am, he has a 455 and I've never heard the noise, he bought them because they help with vaccum as well supposedly. They have been in the car for 20 years now, and they seem to held up great, but he has really only put like 900 miles maybe since he restored it 20 years ago.

 

[shotgun]

FWIW , I am going from a roller set up back to a good old hydraulic on my Bonnie.

You can "adjust" the lifter tick on rhoads with a feeler gauge, oil pressure and oil weight. Also if you dress the engine with aluminum valve covers they mute it even more.

I was digging up the shop yesterday and found some stuff you might want, screw-in studs, poly locks and crane 1.65 roller tip rockers. Might even have a set of Rhoads lifter if I search.

Let me know.

 

[G-Body_Vet]

FWIW , I am going from a roller set up back to a good old hydraulic on my Bonnie.

You can "adjust" the lifter tick on rhoads with a feeler gauge, oil pressure and oil weight. Also if you dress the engine with aluminum valve covers they mute it even more.

I was digging up the shop yesterday and found some stuff you might want, screw-in studs, poly locks and crane 1.65 roller tip rockers. Might even have a set of Rhoads lifter if I search.

Let me know.

That's good to know since I scored these at a killer price! That tax return is coming so it might be time to do some shopping before long. I've been trying to pick up that set of 6X heads for a month but my work schedule and the weather hasn't been cooperating either.

 

[dan2286]

I just use this oil from Napa that supposedly has an acceptable amount of ZDDP. I have no idea if it really does, but I really don't care. I won't be putting enough miles on this engine for it to make a difference.

 

[shotgun]

"Any" street legal oil will not have the proper package for older/hyd cams.

I do believe Napa has an off road oil which might be ok.


I thought you found a set of 6xs?

I have a fresh rebuilt set if you have no luck locally.