When it comes to engine performance, the camshaft and lifters play a critical role.
Flat tappet cams have been a popular choice for many years, but roller lifters have become increasingly common due to their improved efficiency and durability.
However, there is ongoing debate about whether roller lifters can be used with a flat tappet cam.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits, risks, and compatibility factors of using roller lifters with a flat tappet cam to help you make an informed decision.
Can You Use Roller Lifters On A Flat Tappet Cam?
Yes, roller lifters can be used on a flat tappet cam. However, it is important to use the correct type of roller lifter designed for use with flat tappet cams to avoid damaging the camshaft.
What Are Roller Lifters and How Do They Work?
Roller lifters are components in an engine’s valvetrain system that work to actuate the opening and closing of the engine’s valves.
They do this by following the contours of the camshaft lobes, which are responsible for pushing the lifters up and down.
Roller lifters differ from flat tappet lifters in that they have a small roller bearing at the top of the lifter, which allows for smoother and more consistent operation.
This roller bearing helps reduce friction and wear, making roller lifters a popular upgrade in high-performance and racing engines.
What Is a Flat Tappet Cam and How Does It Differ from a Roller Cam?
A flat tappet cam is a type of camshaft used in internal combustion engines. It has a flat surface on its end that pushes the valve down when the cam rotates.
In contrast, a roller cam uses a cylindrical roller to push the valve down.
The main difference between the two is that a roller cam has less friction, which reduces wear and tear on the engine.
However, flat tappet cams are less expensive and can still be effective in certain applications.
Exploring the Debate: Can You Use Roller Lifters on a Flat Tappet Cam?
Understanding the Difference Between Flat Tappet and Roller Camshafts
Before we dive into the debate, it’s important to understand the difference between flat tappet and roller camshafts.
A flat tappet cam has a flat surface on the bottom of the lifter that rides on the camshaft lobe, while a roller cam has a small roller on the bottom of the lifter that contacts the camshaft lobe.
Roller cams are generally considered to be more reliable and offer better performance than flat tappet cams.
The Argument for Using Roller Lifters on a Flat Tappet Cam
Proponents of using roller lifters on a flat tappet cam argue that it can provide better performance at a lower cost than switching to a full roller camshaft.
Roller lifters can reduce friction, which can lead to increased power and improved fuel economy.
They also have a longer lifespan than flat tappet lifters and can handle higher spring pressures, which is important for high-performance engines.
The Argument Against Using Roller Lifters on a Flat Tappet Cam
Opponents of using roller lifters on a flat tappet cam argue that it can lead to premature failure of both the lifters and the camshaft.
The increased pressure from the roller lifter can cause wear on the camshaft, which can eventually lead to failure.
In addition, the lifter bore in the block may not be machined to the correct size or shape for a roller lifter, which can cause further problems.
So, What’s the Verdict?
The answer to the question of whether or not you can use roller lifters on a flat tappet cam is, unfortunately, not a straightforward one.
While some people have successfully used roller lifters on flat tappet cams without issue, others have experienced premature failure.
The decision to use roller lifters on a flat tappet cam ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your engine.
If you do decide to go with roller lifters, be sure to do your research and choose a high-quality product from a reputable manufacturer.
And, as always, be sure to follow proper installation and break-in procedures to ensure the longevity of your engine.
The Benefits of Using Roller Lifters with a Flat Tappet Cam
Roller lifters and flat tappet cams are two components commonly used in high-performance engines.
While roller lifters are more expensive than flat tappet lifters, they offer a number of benefits when used with a flat tappet cam.
Reduced Friction:
Roller lifters have a roller wheel on the end that rides on the cam lobe, which reduces friction between the lifter and the cam.
This reduces wear on both components and increases the engine’s longevity.
Higher RPMs:
Because of reduced friction, roller lifters allow engines to operate at higher RPMs without excessive wear or damage to the camshaft.
Increased Durability:
Roller lifters are more durable than flat tappet lifters, which can wear out quickly if they are not properly lubricated.
Roller lifters are less susceptible to damage from oil starvation, which is a common problem with flat tappet lifters.
Increased Power:
Roller lifters can provide more valve lift than flat tappet lifters, which can lead to increased power and performance.
Improved Valve Control:
Roller lifters can maintain a more consistent valve lift throughout the engine’s RPM range, which can improve the engine’s overall performance.
Understanding the Risks of Using Roller Lifters with a Flat Tappet Cam
Compatibility Issues
Flat tappet cams and roller lifters are designed with different profiles and angles.
Using roller lifters on a flat tappet cam can result in mismatched surfaces and cause excessive wear and tear on both components.
This can lead to premature failure of both the cam and lifters, as well as potential damage to other engine parts.
Lubrication Challenges
Flat tappet cams rely on a high level of lubrication to prevent excessive wear and maintain proper function.
Roller lifters, on the other hand, require less lubrication due to their design.
When used together, the roller lifters may not provide enough lubrication to the cam, leading to accelerated wear and potential failure.
Cost Considerations
While roller lifters may offer improved performance in certain applications, they can also be more expensive than flat tappet lifters.
When used with a flat tappet cam, the added cost may not provide a significant benefit and may even result in additional expenses due to compatibility issues.
How to Determine If Roller Lifters are Compatible with Your Flat Tappet Cam
Step 1: Identify the Type of Camshaft in Your Engine
The first step is to determine the type of camshaft installed in your engine.
Check the engine specifications to know whether it has a hydraulic flat tappet cam or a solid flat tappet cam.
A hydraulic flat tappet cam operates with a hydraulic lifter that maintains valve lash, while a solid flat tappet cam uses a mechanical lifter that requires manual valve lash adjustment.
Step 2: Choose the Right Type of Roller Lifters
Next, choose the type of roller lifters that matches your camshaft type. There are two types of roller lifters: hydraulic roller lifters and solid roller lifters.
Hydraulic roller lifters work well with hydraulic flat tappet cams, while solid roller lifters are suitable for solid flat tappet cams.
Step 3: Check for Compatibility
Now that you have selected the right type of roller lifters, you need to ensure compatibility.
Roller lifters have varying lifter heights, pushrod seat angles, and lifter bore sizes.
Therefore, ensure that the lifter heights, pushrod seat angles, and lifter bore sizes of the roller lifters match those of your camshaft. Otherwise, the roller lifters may not fit properly, resulting in engine damage.
Step 4: Verify Camshaft and Lifter Manufacturer Recommendations
Finally, it’s always best to check the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure that the roller lifters are compatible with your camshaft.
The manufacturer’s recommendations often include lifter bore size, seat angle, and maximum lift that your camshaft can handle.
Failure to adhere to these recommendations may lead to engine damage and void the warranty.
The Pros and Cons of Using Roller Lifters on a Flat Tappet Cam
Roller lifters and flat tappet cams are two different types of engine components that have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Here are the pros and cons of using roller lifters on a flat tappet cam:
Pros:
Reduced Friction: Roller lifters have a roller bearing that reduces friction between the lifter and the camshaft, resulting in less wear and tear on both components.
Improved Performance: Roller lifters have a quicker response time and are able to open and close valves faster than flat tappet lifters, resulting in improved engine performance.
Longer Lifespan: Due to the reduced wear and tear, roller lifters can last longer than flat tappet lifters when used with a compatible camshaft.
Cons:
Compatibility Issues: Roller lifters and flat tappet cams have different profiles and angles, which can result in mismatched surfaces and accelerated wear and tear on both components when used together.
Lubrication Challenges: Flat tappet cams require a high level of lubrication to prevent excessive wear, while roller lifters require less lubrication.
When used together, the roller lifters may not provide enough lubrication to the cam, leading to accelerated wear and potential failure.
Higher Cost: Roller lifters are generally more expensive than flat tappet lifters, which can increase the overall cost of the engine build.
The Importance of Proper Installation and Maintenance When Using Roller Lifters on a Flat Tappet Cam
Installing and maintaining roller lifters on a flat tappet cam is a delicate process, as even the slightest misalignment can cause serious damage to the engine.
Therefore, it is essential that you follow the correct installation and maintenance procedures in order to ensure that your engine will run smoothly and reliably.
When installing the roller lifters, make sure to use the correct tools and torque settings for the job.
If possible, use a cam installation tool to accurately align the lifters with the camshaft.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that the roller lifters are free from any defects and are properly lubricated prior to installation.
Once the roller lifters are installed, they should be monitored regularly to check for wear and tear.
Routine maintenance such as replacing the lifter pre-load settings, checking valve lash, and lubricating the lifters will help reduce the risk of failure.
Ultimately, being diligent with maintenance and taking the proper precautions when installing roller lifters on a flat tappet cam will ensure that your engine will function optimally.
Conclusion
Using roller lifters on a flat tappet cam can provide a number of potential benefits, such as reduced friction and improved performance.
However, it is important to make sure that the roller lifters are compatible with the camshaft, as mismatched surfaces can lead to accelerated wear and tear on both components.
Additionally, they should be properly installed and maintained to reduce the risk of failure.
Ultimately, the decision to use roller lifters with a flat tappet cam is ultimately up to the engine builder and should be made after careful consideration of the risks and benefits.
