I have a set of 188 Gen V heads that have 25 total hours on them. They are for sale in the swap shop springs, retainers, and locks are Isky. $850 and they are yours.

Also are the cam and lifters you mentioned above new or used?

Pushrods push tubes same thing different names. I am building off of a 330 hp 454 block some parts are new some are used. So do you think that the 088 will be my best option? Lol if I used my head I would have bought a 14 foot aluminium boat with a 15hp Jonson on the back and just went fishing

Well it's a good option if you want a nice head that is bolt on ready and don't want to spend a ton of money. Machine work is expensive, as are all the good parts needed to make it work. If your using a flat tappet cam you will want different springs, so I'll sell you my heads without springs for $650.00. That 525 cam isn't going to need roller springs. Is the 188 head the best head out there, no. But its a good head that was brand new prior to me using it. So it has only 24 hours of run time.

As for using used flat tappet cams, i personally wouldn't do it. Flat tappets need to spin, your cam already has a wear pattern in it and the lifters "may" not spin. At which time, your going to wipe out the cam, lifter and your engine. A used flat tappet lifter is a 100% NO!

There are ways to skimp and save money but reusing old lifter is not one of them. Just my opinion.

I was talking about 088 heads not 188 I do not know if they are the same or not. I have reused a cam and lifters before with success but I might use new lifters.

i have a hp500 efi take out cam that is like new for 200.plus the ride.i would not reuse that sc525 cam.

What is wrong with the 525sc cams are they not the same as the 420's

188 heads are mkiv, 088 are gen 5/6.
Wear patterns on flat tappet cams will cause 10 pages of debate. With low zinc oils, and good valve springs you are way better off with a roller cam. Or at the very least a new flat tappet. I don't believe the merc 525sc cam is the same as the 420. The hawk 525 might be though.

Here is a link to the cam I have I think. When I bought it the guy said it is from a gen 5. I thought gen 5 were rollers am I wrong
http://www.cranecams.com/product/car...detail&p=24005

Sorry but my cam is for a gen 5 but has the same specs as the one in the link

Never mind got to quit going on oso while on holidays

Oops- it's been a while you are right the 088 is Gen V. Either way I would not reuse a flat tappet cam that came from another motor and there is zero chance that I would ever use someone elses old flat lifters.

That cam you have posted is a flat tappet. Read the description of the cam, it clearly says flat tappet. I hope you didn't pay much for it. Everything is a learning experience. If I was you I would scrap that cam and buy mike's cam. That along with my heads would make a nice combo that wouldn't break the bank.