Who is running a hydraulic roller cam in a 450/500 hp motor? Is it quiet? I have a noise in mine that sounds just like the race car which has a mechanical .700 lift roller cam. This one is around .550 lift.

Before I go insane, I would like to hear other people experiences.

I have a video but no idea how to post it. I will try to attach it.

I have a Hydraulic roller cam in a 383 that is built. The cam is not the issue its the rockers on top that make noise if any. I have Harlan Sharp rockers and they make noise that is like a sewing machine. Which is normal. I don't really notice the noise.
The cam should not be making any noise.
The lifters will clack a little at start up until they get pumped up. Usually about 1 second after fire up the clacking goes away. Again, normal.

What exactly are you hearing?

Whose cam, and whose lifers? What did you set the pre-load at, and what weight oil are you running?

Its hard to describe but it sounds like a toned down version of my race car with the high lift mechanical roller. I need to figure out how to post the video.

I bought Lunati kit including lifters and spring kit. Running 10w-30 Valvoline Racing oil.

Does this link work?

http://s12.photobucket.com/user/bode528/media/IMG_1480_zpsscnjzjpe.mp4.html?o=0

I run a comp hyd roller cam with crane hyd lifters. Harland Sharpe rockers I bought from Competition wedge. 515hp 440. 10w-30 oil with Lucas zinc additive. Had several initial issues due to builder, but he made it right and so far (1-year) everything is quiet and running well.

Hmmmm,
Lifter stuck?
Bent pushrod?
Bad rocker?
what rocker arms do you have?
Aftermarket rockers will hit OEM valve covers.
I would pull valve cover and take a look for something not right. Try to find the noisy lifter.
Is the noise on only one side?
Has it always done this?

Longshot... doubt it, but piston slap or exhaust leak. Does not sound like it though.

I am running refurbished by RAS Crane ductile iron rockers. I run OEM valve covers with a spacer (3/16"?) and double gaskets.

It seems to be distributed in the engine. Has it always done it - yes - with the old setup I thought it was the Harland Sharp rollers making noise.

All valvetrain is new - pushrods were checked before install.

It may very well not be in the valve train. If not, what can it be? Piston???? Does not sound like exhaust leak, although there may be some of that.

Think I will pull the VC off the easy side and recheck lash. Then I will pull each plug wire off one at a time to see if it changes.

If its been doing it from day one.. I would forget the valve train..
did you look at things like the crank just touching something...
just barely.. does it do it hot and cold... I had a crank JUST touch
when the engine got warmed up.. cold it didnt do it

I hate to keep throwing stuff at you...
fuel rod and distributor gear both bronze?
Should be for a steel billet roller cam.

hopefully when you pull the valve covers off, something will show up.

I would really look closely at the valve covers.
Aftermarket rockers don't fit well under OEM.
I had to take out the baffle on my chrome ones.

I have heard people run the engine without the valve covers. Then put the handle of hammer on each rocker one at a time and press down on it. See which lifter is making noise. I have never used this technique.

Have you tried a heavier weight oil

To me it sounds like piston slap combined with an exhaust leak.

My 505" 440 has a Comp Hydraulic roller, and Hughes lifters, and it sounds alot like a sewing maching, but it also had Harlan Sharp roller rockers and a rollorized cam gear and thrust button. I think the thrust button in contact with the timing chain cover is part of the sound I hear. I will go with a nylon thrust button next time.

My gut feel tells me you are correct.