Roller tappet cam or flat tappet cam how to tell the difference?

To distinguish between a roller tappet cam and a flat tappet cam, examine the tappets themselves. Roller tappets have a small roller at the tip that allows for reduced friction and increased efficiency, while flat tappets have a flat surface that makes direct contact with the camshaft lobes. Additionally, roller cams typically provide better performance at higher RPMs, so checking the engine specifications can also help identify the type. Visually inspecting the tappets is the most immediate way to tell the difference.