Roller camshaft conversions
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,365
Likes: 0
From: Farmers Branch TX
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '09
Roller camshaft conversions
Has anyone here converted a Gen I small block to a "roller cam". If so, what all parts and machine work does it require? Would there be a clearance problem if doing a 383 with this roller conversion? Any reccomendations as to who makes better converstions?
Thanks,
--Chris
Thanks,
--Chris
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,637
Likes: 27
From: Norwalk Ct
I just bought the same thing for a 396 small block. You dont need to machine the block for a roller cam (do need a cam button and a wear plate) and I dont believe a 383 will require a small base circle cam (the rod bolt to cam lobe clearence is close, so engine builders grind down the rod bolts a bit).
I found a "smaller" supplier on the net that can get me custom small base circle cam, and solid roller lifters (both comp cams) for $600 delivered (which isnt bad considering the lifters alone are normally $400).
Nick
I found a "smaller" supplier on the net that can get me custom small base circle cam, and solid roller lifters (both comp cams) for $600 delivered (which isnt bad considering the lifters alone are normally $400).
Nick
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,517
Likes: 19
The cam button will need a solid surface to ride on. An aftermarket timing chain cover is a good idea. A low buck way is to weld some 1/8 thick flat steel to the stock cover in the upper area where the button will push. I have seen thise inexpensive stock type with the plate sell for $30 or less at Carlisle.
