Difference between solid cam and hyd. cam?

needsaresto said

Hydraulic cam= Less maintenance,quieter operation,many trouble free miles but a less radical cam profile and limited rpms(6000-6500) due to valve float etc.Can be used with mostly stock heads/valve train.Btter suited to a daily driver.

Solid cam= more agressive profiles,constant valve lash adjustments and adjustable valve train,noisy valve train,much higher rpm potential(9000+). Need heads that breath extremely well (major porting).Best for weekend warrior or all out race car.

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DC's old hydraulic "cheater" cams will go to 8000rpm.

2 reasons why solid cams have more potential, and its all about the lifter:
1. The Lifter cannot collapse
2. The Taper on the Liifter Base (for a more aggresive lobe profile)
"mushroom" lifters are a perfect example of an extreame tapered base.

BOTH cam styles work extreamly well on the street, but in an all out drag car, SOLID would be the weapon of choise.
SOLID ROLLER is the ULTIMATE camshaft.. but that another story...