Original solid cam vs. full solid roller

**luzl78** · #1 03-26-2014, 09:59 PM

What would be the best setup to use in my 67 l78? I have a couple nos "143" solid cams and all nos drivetrain for it or should I use a new aftermarket setup with a full roller setup. Car has m21 with 4:11 rear and I'll be using m/t scavenger headers with chambered exhaust. I understand the exhaust restriction but you can't beat the sound. I'm using my original valve covers. Is it just a matter of less friction with the roller setup and more cost? Thanks. Jeff

**SuperNovaSS** · #2 03-26-2014, 11:06 PM

You can make much more power with a roller. You can have a lot more duration and aggressive profiles due to the steeper ramps with roller cams. However, the 143 can is tried and true. The 143 would put plenty of grin on my face but I guess it depends on what your goal is. If you want to have fun on the street and have a classic sound than the 143 would be a good choice. If you are going to be racing or want to have bragging rights about power you will likely never use, then go with the roller.

Jason

**luzl78** · #3 03-26-2014, 11:25 PM

No racing. Just a beautiful original car for cruise nights and show. I guess I'm looking for as radical sounding as I can get but street able. Would the l88 or zl1 be too much cam? I also have power brakes.

**SuperNovaSS** · #4 03-26-2014, 11:53 PM

The 143 can sounds awesome, performs great, and makes good power. The L88/ZL1 cam is too much in my opinion. I'm sure others will chime in.

Jason

**WILMASBOYL78** · #5 03-26-2014, 11:58 PM

143 for a street/cruise nite ride...the L88 unit is a lot of cam for the little 396...that cam was meant for more cubes. The #143 will give you all the performance you will ever need.

wilma

YenkoYS100 · #6 03-27-2014, 12:01 AM

Jeff,

I have read many times where the L88/ZL1 cams were not made for mufflers. I'm sure that they would run with mufflers, but power suffers greatly. I had an original L78 cam in a 'Vette LS5 engine. It was in my '62 BubbleTop BelAir. I loved the sound and the way that it ran!

**luzl78** · #7 03-27-2014, 12:52 AM

I'm probably overthinking something that is tried and true. Trying to make something better with new technology sometimes isn't necessary. Don't fix it if it ain't broke, I guess.

**Lynn** · #8 03-27-2014, 01:13 AM

The 143 runs like stink.
But, and this is just my opinion, and only because you asked. The less you drive it, the more likely you are to wipe a lobe. I worry about it every time the Z goes more than a few days without being started.

I am sure there are grinders who can get you something very close (with maybe just a hair more thump) to the 143 in a roller cam. Nice peace of mind.

**PxTx** · #9 03-27-2014, 01:24 AM

I think you must run an EDM lifter with the recent oil issues and flat tappets.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lynn</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The 143 runs like stink.
But, and this is just my opinion, and only because you asked. The less you drive it, the more likely you are to wipe a lobe. I worry about it every time the Z goes more than a few days without being started.

I am sure there are grinders who can get you something very close (with maybe just a hair more thump) to the 143 in a roller cam. Nice peace of mind. </div></div>

**luzl78** · #10 03-27-2014, 01:25 AM

What roller rockers will fit under stock covers?