Cam questions, converting to roller

[eddielugnutz]

Ok, screw it, i'm going hydraulic flat tappet, why? because I really don't care, I'm only interested in making around 350hp, it's a freshly rebuilt 302 .30 over with TRW 9:1, forged rods, I wanted to run Trick Flow twisted wedge heads, Trick flow reccomended the stage 1 cam for my application, i was using the above motor with manual,4.10 gears, they also said that the trick flow heads on a stock shortblock could only run a maximum of .540" lift and with 9:1 compression only use up to 225degrees of duration @ .05", I was going to stick hydraulic flat tappet and use a cam of equivelant specs, i was looking at COMP CAMS Magnum series cams, part # 35-414-3, specs: 270degree duration, 224degrees at .05"lift, .500/.500" lift 110degree LSA, it seems that this cam is of almost identical specs as the Trick flow stage 1, I understand that it's comparing apples to oranges from roller to non roller, but am I correct do you think in my cam choice, does this look like a sufficient cam for my application, I think it's pretty conservative, but I'm not greedy,

If I am sticking flat tappet, i guess i have to order matching non roller pushrods that are a bit longer than the roller ones right? I have to run hardened for the Trick flow heads with guideplates. I guess the choice for lifters will be easy now.

Let me know what you guys think, I apreciate all your time and advice!

[82 GT]

I think the cam is a little on the conservative side, like you said.
Honestly, if you like the Comp Cams, I would look at the 280* Magnum or their XE series like the 284XE. I have the 274XE in my engine and I think that's not enough for my setup. I should have have 284XE also or maybe the 294XE.
A tech guy from Comp Cams told me the 274XE cam is more aggressive than the 280 Magnum because it has more aggressive ramp rates than the 280. I was also told that Ford engines like duel pattern profiles that favor the exhaust side.
Since you're going to have adjustable valvetrain, why not consider a solid flat tappet cam? You'll make a little bit more power with properly matched solid cam than with hydraulic.
I made the mistake of porting and polishing my stock heads without spending the extra money on converting to adjustable rockers so that I could run solid cams. I guess if I did that though, I would be better off buying a set of aftermarket heads.......