Hydraulic Roller or Hydraulic flat tappet or solid Camshaft for 289

[Jaybear888]

I am in a process to rebuilt my 289 and do not quite understand the different type of camshaft is best shoot for my mustang . I am a weekend cruiser. People always say mild cam for the 289 , but what is that really mean . I want a good reliability engine but not too much adjustment or maintain. I read about different type of camshaft but do not understand it fully. People say solid camshaft require adjustment at least once a year but more hp. I can eliminate that cause I am not looking for a lot of hp and do not like the idea that adjustment will be make every so often. So can anyone advice what type hydraulic roller or hydraulic flat tappet. Thanks..........

[JonK67]

Yes, solid is basically for max HP and will need periodic adjustment, hyd. roller will not go in your motor without additional work to make the lifters stay in and work and the cost of the roller camshaft and lifters will be ~$1,000 or 2X + what a hyd. flat tappet will cost. Hyd. flat tappet is what came in your 289 originally and will be the easiest change out of the 3. Go to compcams website
http://www.compperformancegroupstore...ry_Code=SBHFTC
click learn more> then find my cam> under hyd flat tappet and it will suggest cams based on your answers.

You didn't say what year your 289 is so I'm just guessing '65-'67, you will notice that the lower the cam number the milder the lope/cam i.e. a 270H is lopier/more agressive than a 260H, etc., they have more than what shows up I notice though since it doesn't suggest any extreme energy (which is what I have) so I would start at the full list here:
http://www.compperformancegroupstore...ry_Code=SBHFTC

The biggest caveat with a hyd. flat tappet is break in period (20 min.) and that you add a ZDDP additive at every oil change or use an oil with higher levels of ZDDP (~1200ppm) for oil changes. Comp cams sells an additive or you can pick it up at a local parts store ~ an extra $10 every oil change, not bad.

You should ask this question (or have it moved) in the classic section or the general discussion section, ask MCA is more for membership questions vs. engine questions.
Jon

[Jaybear888]

Thanks for the info and the link Jon. I am very new to the website. Appreciate for all the good info.