BBC retro-roller vs. flat tappet

[MikeB]

Would I be taking a chance using a flat tappet hydraulic cam in a BBC? In other words, are these cams more prone to failure in a BBC than in an SBC? I would use Driven BR30 for break-in, and then their HR10w30 from then on.

As for a roller, how about a kit like this?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HOWARDS-BBC...ash=item1a0af9f9ce:g:inkAAOSwk1JWdGhI&vxp=mtr

 

[Grumpy]

The answer is that, theres been millions of people successfully running flat tappet hydraulic cams in big block engines, but there's also a well documented list of flat tappet cams having durability issues in BOTH SBC and BBC engines since the manufacturers swapped to roller cams in production vehicles that resulted in the major oil supply sources changing the lubricant formulas to be less compatible with the flat tappet cam design requirements.
I,ve never yet had a properly installed hydraulic roller cam with matched components fail, but I think youll find the flat tappet cams slightly more at risk of lower long term durability issues.
I think youll find a matched kit like that howards cam a good investment
http://www.engineersedge.com/lubrication/molybdenum_disulfide_characteristics.htm

when assembling any engines valve train component parts and bearing surfaces,should be carefully cleaned and soaked with moly spray and then coated with moly assembly lube prior to assembly, Moly exists as microscopic hexagonal crystal platelets Several molecules make up one of these platelets. A single molecule of Moly contains two sulfur atoms and one molybdenum atom. Moly platelets are attracted to metal surfaces. This attraction and the force of moving engine parts rubbing across one another provide the necessary thermochemical reaction necessary for Moly to form an overlapping protective coating like armor on all of your engine parts. This protective armor coating has a number of properties that are very beneficial for your engine.

The Moly platelets that make up the protective layers on your engine surfaces slide across one another very easily. Instead of metal rubbing against metal, you have Moly platelets moving across one another protecting and lubricating the metal engine parts.

This coating effectively fills in the microscopic pores that cover the surface of all engine parts, making them smoother. This feature is important in providing an effective seal on the combustion chamber. By filling in the craters and pores Moly improves this seal allowing for more efficient combustion and engine performance.

This overlapping coating of Moly also gives protection against loading (perpendicular) forces. These forces occur on the bearings, and lifters. The high pressures that occur between these moving parts tend to squeeze normal lubricants out.

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...-pushrods-and-check-info-you-might-need.5931/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/limited-oil-choices-for-cam-break-in.13602/

 

[busterrm]

I agree, roller cams have a longer life expectancy than a flat tappet, but the flat tappet is less expensive to install. I have a few friends in my nova club that have had good luck with flat tappets, but they take more maintainence to keep them healthy. Make sure you go through the full break in process. I might got a little higher on the duration, remember as cubic inches go up the rpm range lowers.