Flat tappet vs Finger Follower | FerrariChat
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Flat tappet vs Finger Follower

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by KnifeEdge2k1, Jun 4, 2025.

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  1. KnifeEdge2k1

    KnifeEdge2k1 Formula Junior

    Jun 1, 2022
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    Dominic Leung
    #1 KnifeEdge2k1, Jun 4, 2025
    Last edited: Jun 4, 2025
    Any reason why even the more modern ferrari engines all use flat tappet/buckets instead of finger followers (excluding the 12cillindri which has it).

    From what I gather the finger follower system is lighter and allows for more area under the curve on your cams and the only downside is cost.

    Edit: Ok I'm an idiot, the 296/488 has roller finger follower .... so I'm really only asking about the 458 engine ... guess Ferrari was just late to the party
     
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  2. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
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    Brian Crall
    #2 Rifledriver, Jun 4, 2025
    Generally speaking flat shim/bucket followers are lighter requiring less valve spring pressure and eliminate side loading of the valve that accelerates wear.
     
  3. KnifeEdge2k1

    KnifeEdge2k1 Formula Junior

    Jun 1, 2022
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    Dominic Leung
    #3 KnifeEdge2k1, Jun 4, 2025
    Yes I got it messed up, Flat tappets are lighter but you sacrifice a bit on maximum flow

    I wonder how much more they would have been able to squeeze out of the 458 engine if it used fibers or even roller tappets
     
  4. Ferraripilot

    Ferraripilot F1 World Champ
    Owner Project Master

    May 10, 2006
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    John!
    #4 Ferraripilot, Jun 10, 2025
    When Williams re-developed the air cooled 911 cylinder head with 4v, the only reason they could keep the heat down and rev it to kingdom come with the power it makes is due to far less heat generation as a consequence of the finger followers.

    Yeah, Ferrari was just late to the party

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