baseball19

whats the difference between hydrolic and solid cams....what does it take to switch too a solid roller cam setup in a LT1....any power and drivability differences...whats better out of the two thanks

RamAir95TA

iTrader: (2)

Short version: A solid roller valvetrain uses solid (go figure) lifters and is capable of spinning much higher than a hydraulic roller. They are also set up by checking lash, while a HR uses preload. SR valvetrains are extremely rigid and for that reason are the choice for high HP/RPM builds and can support some massive camshaft profiles. A SR valvetrain has more up-front cost than a HR, simply because the parts are more expensive.

But hydraulic roller technology has taken some pretty big advances over the past 15 years, and HR valvetrains are spinning higher and higher.

Do a Google search if you need more info.

SoxXpupPeT

iTrader: (34)

A mechanical lifter will not have any give at high rpm. theyre also noisier then HR lifters..

Better out of the two is down to what engine there going into. one used for racing only or daily driving ? HR lifters are all you should ever really need unless you have an engine spinning to 8k rpm

quik95lt1

iTrader: (7)

oh i love that clickety clack noise on a sunday morning lol.....

AChotrod

iTrader: (17)

Do you guys think it would be worth it to go SR on a stock PCM?

RamAir95TA

iTrader: (2)

IMO, no. There are a few builds pushing close the 7k limit with HRs without a problem, myself included. I doubt there would be any significant benefit by converting to SR.

I know 94Z28Rag's build is still a HR, and that's an AI-headed 396 with a MASSIVE HR cam, still on the stock PCM and opti.

Now if I was regularly pushing 7500+ with a FAST/MoTec/Megasquirt/whatever that would be a different story.

AChotrod

iTrader: (17)

Thats what Im thinking. I cant see spending the extra money for a new valvetrain and a SR cam when a HR cam will pull all the way to the stock PCMs limits.

robsquikz28

iTrader: (246)

Ask BOLO he says yes!

Colin91Z

iTrader: (9)

Exactly.

I'm not sure you guys realize how much average power can be gained under 7k with a SR setup. I'm certainly not saying that going SR is for everyone, just saying there is defiantely hp to be had.

Puck

iTrader: (17)

+1

SR also lets you run higher duration and maintain similar tune-ability and drivability then an HR cam. There is a popular trend of running "Street Rollers", fairly modest solid roller cams, in street/strip cars that are often the same or smaller then some of the racier HR grinds.

AChotrod

iTrader: (17)

He also stepped up in size quite a bit If I remember correctly?

So I havent ordered my cam yet, convince me to go solid roller.

Colin91Z

iTrader: (9)

The SR that was in my 350 was pretty mild, the spring seat pressure was only 240#, and it felt a ton faster than the same shortblock when it had a LE3 hyd roller. My LE3 HR had more seat to seat duration than the SR, but the SR had 12* more duration @.050 on the intake side and 19* more duration on the exhaust @.050

Unfortunately, my shortblock **** the bed before I got any track times. So I don't have any solid proof of exactly how much quicker it was.

I'm currently building a larger motor now, and sticking with the SR

BOLO

iTrader: (40)

Still here running the ol' stock bottom end. And yes, with a solid roller and the stock ecu. The duration of the cam is pretty mild, IMO. I can tell you that, when it will be time for a new build, it will be a solid roller as well. I love it!

Puck

iTrader: (17)

Perfect example .

From my talks with Llyod it looks like my cam will be one with 260# seat and 600-650# open.

Can't skimp on the valvetrain at all! If you wanna run a decent SR be prepared to spend quite a bit more on lifters, pushrods, and springs then what you are used to with an HR setup.

speed_demon24

iTrader: (6)

There's no reason not to go solid roller for any build unless you don't feel like checking the lash every 3-5k miles. Pretty impressive torque and hp for a 355. Not sure if he made anymore power before he switched to the fast ecu.

It will make more power throughout the whole rpm band not just in the upper part of the powerband.

AChotrod

iTrader: (17)

Hmmm damn more to think about before I pull the trigger on the HR cam although theres guys like Larry aka LS1speed flyin on HR cams. I think Badhawk made like 477rwhp with a HR cam. Tough call since I already have everything but the cam for a HR set up.

SoxXpupPeT

iTrader: (34)

One thing thats nice is that you dont have to worry about weak plungers

Bolo, do you street drive your car ? I DD my car, and now im wondering if mechanical rollers wouldnt be to bad.

Wicked94Z

iTrader: (26)

I did 480 through the 6 speed with a HR... RPM = HP in a sbc. Don't expect a wide powerband if you're looking to make big peak numbers before 7k rpm...

robsquikz28

iTrader: (246)

x2, im with ya wicked

97Z28SS

iTrader: (5)

The biggest thing IMO is the SR lifters, you better get HIPPOs (oil pressure fed) or you're in trouble if you DD your car because sbc motors rely on splash oiling at low rpms and in DD applications at idle and low speed (stop and go rush hour traffic) you'll end up killing lifters and wiping the cam and then well you know the rest, engine rebuild time.