For a street engine that is a waste of money IMO.
Just run the stock setup.

 

We used Comp Cams Magnum roller tip rockers on the son's '68 302. Recommended by my machine shop since the originals were shot anyway. He said Comp claims up to 30hp increase. Not sure if it would really be that much but I'm sure they don't hurt.

Only about 600 miles so far but no problems.

 

I would recommend the Comp Cams Magnum roller tip rockers as well. This will work great with your setup. You will be wasting your money on aluminum roller folcrum style rockers.

 

I second comp cams pro mag's. They are lighter than their aluminum ones and they can be rebuilt.

 

Roller rockers are a good idea even if you do not have a performance engine. The roller tips save wear on your valve tips, improve valvetrain consistency, and increase hp through less friction.

 

I agree w/ adding roller lifters & have them on my rebuilt '65 289 ( still sitting on engine stand ). My engine rebuilder guy did not recommend adding a roller cam for the street though. This guy builds engines for the dirt track racers & know his stuff. I was ready to add a roller cam until he mentioned this.

 

What has his reasoning for not using a roller cam on the street?

 

Roller rockers, if you have flat tappet cam with not that wild specs, standard rockers will do. As you said performance is not the priority. I have several track days with old cast rockers. Put your money on getting more seat time before putting money on engine. (Provided it is reasonably healthy, no leaks, no temp problems, good oil pressure)

What has his reasoning for not using a roller cam on the street?

I can only think of cost aspect. Flat tappet cams are cheaper. Cam plus lifters can be bought under $100. No need to change distributor gear. Then old flat tappet spec springs are not up to roller ramps

 

I went with the full roller Comps on my 69 with the 302. Was all set to go with the Magnum roller tipped rockers, but I found the full rollers on ebay for a song, and with no usage on them. Too good to pass on. Way overkill for my little engine, but I figured, value for the buck spent, I came away with a few extra horse's that I would not have had, and for less $. As far as the roller cam, to me, after building this one recently, and now going thru all the controversy over oil reformulations and older engines, I'd definitely go with a roller cam. Plus, no break in time is needed. Don't have to worry about wiping out the cam lobes because of oil, or zinc. They are expensive, but factory grinds aren't as bad on $ if you want a mild / stock engine. Even some of the aftermarket cam manufacturers have decent deals on milder high performance cams now. It would be money well spent, in my opinion.

 

Thanks all, I just order my comps from summit.