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Drivetrain => The Nailhead => Topic started by: 35chevcoupe on October 11, 2015, 10:35:21 AM

Title: valve train parts availability
Post by: 35chevcoupe on October 11, 2015, 10:35:21 AM
I,ve been looking for some cam and lifter options but haven't seen much .   Anyone know if there are any roller cam and lifter sets available for the nailheads ?
Title: Re: valve train parts availability
Post by: Dr Frankenbuick on October 11, 2015, 11:07:54 AM
http://www.taperformance.com/proddetail.asp?prod=TA%5FROL%2D401


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Title: Re: valve train parts availability
Post by: WkillGS on October 14, 2015, 01:01:43 AM
Flat tappet cams are also available from Carmen Faso, he has a few grinds available.
Schneider also has a good selection.
Comp cams doesn't have much listed in their catalogs for Nailheads except for the Thumper series, but they do have the cam cores and can grind a number of their lobe profiles on it. Best bet is to look at their catalog and browse the Olds V8 section. Olds has a 1.6 rocker ratio like the Nailhead, so the lift specs would be the same.
The 'High Energy' 260H is similar to a stock cam @ 212 duration and 0.447" lift. The 'Magnum' and 'Xtreme Energy' series are more aggressive.

Another option is the roller rockers from Tom. His have a higher ratio, up to 1.9, which produce a lot of valve action (open/close rate). The TA roller rockers only have a 1.6 ratio, same as stock.

The TA roller cam, I 'hear', isn't an ideal setup due to the weight of the lifters.(?) Best to do more research first, I don't have much info.
Title: Re: valve train parts availability
Post by: GreatScat1965 on October 14, 2015, 09:17:53 AM
Agreed, Carmen does have several of his own grinds of flat tappet cams. I guess it depends on how much $$$ you want to put in the valve train. If you decide to go roller cam, Tom is the guy to talk to as there are piston to valve and pushrod length considerations. My 2 cents says if you go roller you will want to do so some headwork if you want to get the full bang from a roller setup which ultimately has most potential for making power.

Full disclosure, I run one of Carmen's old .500/.510 flat cams and have done well with it. (12.80 @102. MPH) full steel body, full interior, street legal '65 GS.

See you guys at the GSCA Nationals this weekend!!! :cheers2:

Jerry

Title: Re: valve train parts availability
Post by: 35chevcoupe on October 14, 2015, 07:25:52 PM
Thanks guys for the info .  My blocks are down at the machine shop getting checked out .
I,m getting anxious to get started on building both these engines .   I will definately be getting in contact with someone who has done these engines in the past . Especially the one with the blower on it .