This is a fun comparison: which camshaft will perform better in a Chevrolet 454 that is wicked up to hang easily in the 600 horsepower range and provide the power you crave? On one hand, you have a hydraulic roller setup, that is easy to maintain, doesn’t require valve lash adjustments, and has less likelihood of mauling the gear once something goes wrong. On the other hand, you say “solid lifter” and gearheads get weak in the knees. Why? Power, that’s why. A solid lifter engine can scream without the hangups of a hydraulic roller and not only make more power while doing it, but at a higher RPM.
For this episode of Engine Masters, the team break out a dyno mule 454 and two Comp Cams offerings. The hydraulic setup is the XE294HR, which has a 242/[email protected] duration, .540″/.562″ of lift, and 110 degrees of lobe separation. The solid unit is the xR286, which runs 248/[email protected] duration, .654″/.661″ of lift, and again, 110 degrees of lobe separation. With all other elements being equal…or as close to it as possible, when it comes to valve spring rates…the test Rat is ran to get results. Which one cranks out more power? We know that the answer is the solid lifter cam, but what we want to know is by how much over the hydraulic roller camshaft and whether or not the maintenance hassles that come along with it are worth the effort in the end for your application. Hit play below to learn more!
I really enjoyed this video. I do however have a question.
With this cam change how did it effect the vacuum is it still enough for the use of a power brake booster? We have this issue with some of our builds.
Thanks Pat