Whats the difference between a solid an a hydraulic cam? Frankly i have no idea.

 

biggest difference is hydraulic cams have roller lifters, solid have flat tappet lifters

 

Not all hydraulic cams have roller lifters.The difference between solid and hydraulicliftersare hydraulic haveaninternal spring to set the lash.solid ( mechanical lifter) Need to have the lash set with a set offeelersbecause they are solidand there is no give to them when the cam ramps up.

Solid cames will usually have a bigger lift are are more for race engines or street strip cars. there is a lot more maintenance with a solid cam because you should set the lash every time you change your oil. And you'll need two people to do it right.

A hydraulic cam you set the lash and forget it but there not good for high revvingand can collapse and fail. I had one come apart and the retainer clip got into the oil pump and snap the oil pump shaft.