Non-billet roller cam

[VintageMusclecar]

Is the measly cost savings reeeallllyyy worth risking your engine over?

I wouldn't run a cast core roller even at gunpoint. I'd run a flat tappet first, by a long shot.

When it comes to a roller, in my book: Billet core, iron gear pressed on, slide it in, measure & degree it and rock & roll.

Just my $0.02 worth.

[KenMaisano]

Originally Posted by VintageMusclecar

Is the measly cost savings reeeallllyyy worth risking your engine over?

I wouldn't run a cast core roller even at gunpoint. I'd run a flat tappet first, by a long shot.

When it comes to a roller, in my book: Billet core, iron gear pressed on, slide it in, measure & degree it and rock & roll.

Just my $0.02 worth.

I couldn't of said it better!

[novadude]

You guys worry too much.

Engine builders that do this everyday don't have an issue with SADI cores in street-type applications. Much better deal than worrying about bronze tip FP pushrods, etc. There are millions of SADI hydraulic rollers in service without issue. Not suitable for big lift and high spring loads, but fine for the average mild street cam.

The late Joe Sherman:

I to, also use them all the time in street engines with no problems at all. It sure makes the distributor gear a NON ISSUE.

Another:

I think they make for better street life than the "Steel". In low lift and moderate perfomance I will use one and not look back. Over the years I've had many come through the shop.

http://www.speedtalk.com/forum/viewt...hp?f=1&t=38241

Another good one....

http://speedtalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=30456

No issues with my Howards SBC SADI cam, but I am only running a 300 lb over the nose beehive spring and 1.5 rockers. If I were running .650" lift and 450 lb over the nose, I probably wouldn't want a cast core.

Bottom line: SADI is fine for the intended application.

[Lynn]

So, how much price difference are we talking about?

[NorCam]

About $100 - $120 on the cam core upgrade to billet stock. Another variable cost is the distributor gear upgrade to whichever version you prefer? Some offer the press on gear option at $75 additional, others more $, and some do not even offer them at all. Then there's the lifter options as most cam manufacturers will spec their premium roller lifters to match the cam core and that can add significant cost atop the camshaft upgrade?

One last thing to consider is the delay in lead time for having a stock grind cut on billet stock? If a given street grind is on the shelf in a cast hydraulic roller and you need it on billet, be prepared for delays to have it queued in for a custom grind. I've been through all of this with Crower, and Lunati before and the worst possible time to ask for this is in the off season while all the racers are building new motors.

Myself, I'm all for billet when it comes to solid roller grinds, high spring rates or high lift/duration grinds, but for street grinds under 575" lift I still think the cast core on a roller setup works fine. A good set of mid grade roller lifters and spring rates under #375 and I'm totally comfortable. Just an opinion but it's as much about break in and lubricity as it is about core hardness right? Gotta think that a lot of failures on cams is due to lifter selection, valve train geometry, and setup by the end user me thinks.

[earntaz]

Wow -- such a division ...

[NorCam]

Originally Posted by earntaz

Wow -- such a division ...

lmao...been there done that

In the past 12 months I've ordered a Crower Hydraulic Roller, a Comp Solid Flat Tappet, a Lunati Solid Roller, and this current build is a Crower Solid Flat Tappet. Got the full gambit and looked at a lot of grinds before settling on these 4. Heard every sales pitch, had a lot of advice and learned a lot about cams.

[KenMaisano]

A roller camshaft puts a lot more side load on the camshaft flanks and lifter bores than most realize.

[RST]

You know what guys...... this is why I tell Kenny, the only kind of cam I want him using in my motors is Carbon Fiber ...... SCIENCE 🤯😛🤣😱😋😝