A roller cam, or roller camshaft, is a type of camshaft that utilizes roller lifters to reduce friction between the cam lobe and the lifter. This design allows for more aggressive cam profiles, improving engine efficiency, performance, and durability.
Several manufacturers produce roller cams, including COMP Cams, Melling, Howards Cams, Crower Cams, Camcraft Cams, Lunati, and Edelbrock. These cams come in two main types: hydraulic roller cams, which are suitable for street performance and offer reduced maintenance, and solid roller cams, designed for high-performance racing engines requiring manual adjustments. Key features to consider when selecting a roller cam include lobe lift, duration, lobe separation angle (LSA), and bearing type. Roller cams are generally more expensive than flat tappet cams due to their complex design and materials. A COMP Cams Magnum Hydraulic Roller Camshaft can range from $549.99 to $673.99. Availability is generally good, with many suppliers, such as JEGS and Summit Racing, stocking various roller cams.