Help me choose a cam

[30A rider]

About to send my 781 heads to Mike for work. Motor is a 454 .030. approx 10-10.5:1 compression. Will be running dual plane intake and 750-850 carb. going into a 66 chevelle with TH400 to a 3.50-3.73 rear end. Car will not be daily driver; but will be 95% street with occasional strip use.

so to choose a cam. I have 2 in mind that are shelf grinds both Lunati VooDoo cams as follows:

Pt # 60204 hydraulic flat tappet
Adv Dur 276/284 @
Dur @ .050 233/241
Lift .554/.572
LSA 110


Pt # 60212 hydraulic roller
Adv. Dur. 282/290 @ .006
Dur @ .050 231/239
Lift .600/.600
LSA 110

Both cams call for approximately 2800-3000 stall converter which I had planned on; and approx 10:1 compression so essentially is a decision between performance, which type of cam, and cost. Im only expereinced with hydraulic flat tappet cams so Im asking for experienced opinions of something I have only book smarts on.

Will the roller out perform the hydraulic flat tappet by much?
does the cost of approximately $600 more justify the roller cam over the flat tappet? What are the chances of flat tappet cam failure? I read so much about it these days...it seems like it occurs often? Looking for expereince opinions. Thanks in advance for all replies.

[Mike Stark]

The roller will have a slight power advantage over the flat tappet. I doubt if the advantage will offset the cost though. Keep it simple and affordable with the regular hyd. cam. I wouldn't worry too much about flattening it. If it's properly built and the recommended break-in procedure is followed you will be fine.