Roller Cam Recommendations

[Norm_in_Centrala]

Hopefully I'll start back on my 1968 RS. Life in general has kept me from it for 30 years. It has been in covered storage for that time.

As I rebuild the engine, I have thought about putting a roller camshaft in it, since ZDDP oils seem to be not as popular. Are there any recommendations for particular brands? I will be running a 327 with 4-speed, sort of a cross between a L30 and L79. I have the original short block in the car, and I'm thinking of using Speedway Motors "461" aluminum heads.

Thanks.

[rocco376]

My 67 Corvette, with the 327/300 base motor was rebuilt with a custom ground hydraulic roller cam from Cam Motion out of Baton Rouge, LA.  Fantastic company to deal with.

[Norm_in_Centrala]

Thanks for your reply. I'll probably look an off-the-shelf unit rather than a custom grind. 40 years ago I ran a "151" cam (327/350HP) in a 1981 Z-28 that I de-computerized, along with headers, a shift kit, tweaked Q-jet and HEI distributor. That car was surprising fast to a lot of folks on the street. I had it about 2 years and sold it. But the memories and experience are still there.

[rocco376]

Pretty sure they have off the shelf stuff as well.  My engine has AFR aluminum heads, headers, AED Holley carb, and MSD ignition. Runs on 92 octane unleaded and Dyno'ed at 413 HP.  Loved those 80-81 Z28's when they came out.  My first car was a brand new 1980 Camaro LT with a 305 4 speed.  Loved that car until I wrapped it around the front of a full sized Ford station wagon.

[Kelley W King]

I am still using the flat tapped cams and have not lost a cam or lifter yet. If I was doing a 327 I would use 2.02 heads L79 cam, 355 or 373 gears and a 68 Camaro will haul but. If you want more just drop an L78 in it with 410 gears and be done with. If you go roller cam use good stuff, when roller lifters come apart usually the whole engine is toast. Just my 2 cents

[SolarWillow]

solid advice on the flat tappet setup. good quality lifters and proper break-in lube make all the difference

[68camaroz28]

I have a solid roller cam in our 69Z but it is stroked to 383 cu in with a factory crossram and carbs.

[BillOhio]

My engine guy had enough problems with Comp cam solids that he was only installing rollers.  His business is 99% race cars but has put some small rollers in a couple Z28s.  I am pretty sure the one was a Howards that a lady is now driving the car after her husband passed.  I drove it a couple times and had good vacuum and really responsive.  I believe this is the part number 111213-10. 
If you run a solid, use the lifters with the direct lube hole in them.  Friend of mine seems to get along good with those. 
I just built a 427 small block and used a crower 00425.  They said it should still have enough vacuum to run power brakes.  I had a 140 cam in my one Z and it was not the best for power brakes!
With a roller the lifters get expensive, we get billets, and you need a cam button.