jaymotor

Converting a 92 GT to a 1971 351W. What is a good low cost cam/lifter setup for this motor? Using Edelbrock Performer heads. Heard mechanical roller lifters good, but pricey- $600 with the cam. Also crane makes a set of hydraulic roller lifters, but pricey at $400 + the 5.0 roller cam. Am I better to use a flat tappet hydraulic cam/lifter, if so which one? Looking to build a 350 hp street car, on a limited budget. Also what distributor/gear should I use with the cam - any used that will work out of a truck? Thanks for your help!

sn95_331_GT_ yellow

a hydraulic flat tappet cam will actually perform better than a hydraulic roller up to a certain point. around 224* of duration at .050" a hydraulic roller will take over in terms of power. an older 351W block will not accept stock style hydraulic roller lifters (hence the steep price for the ones you found because they're retrofit lifters). a solid roller cam will give you MASSIVE power over any others, just know that you have to set the valve lash every once in a while. the wives tales of having to set lash every week are just that. you will also need to upgrade your valvesprings, pushrods, and (obviously) get the solid roller lifters. solid roller also offer you the ability to rev higher without lifter pump.
a roller cam will need a steel distributor gear, a flat tappet will need a bronze gear.
your best bet on a budget is to probably get the Edelbrock top end kit which is over 400hp and comes with everything.

jaymotor

which edelbrock top end cam are you refering to ? there are so many? Thanks again for your help...

jaymotor

OK from viewing the previous threads on the same subject, it looks like solid flat tappet cam is the way to go.Which one is better than the other?

sn95_331_GT_ yellow

solid flat tappet...

go hydraulic if you want flat tappet. as for the combo, pick the one you want the most. if you want torque, go with that. more of a top end rush, look for a little more hp. pick on and post it here and then tell us what you're looking for.