L36 427 - Roller Cam Cost? Issues?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,879
Likes: 38
From: Los Gatos CA
L36 427 - Roller Cam Cost? Issues?
I have a pretty much bone stock 68 L36 M20 3.36 Roadster.
Can someone outline the materials with cost to install a retro-roller cam?
Does $600 sound about right?
I am looking for a comparable cam, maybe .510" lift and 220 duration.
I run Hedmans, but the rest is pretty much factory.
I appreciate your experience and help.
And any real world issues would be great.
I want this car to last forever, and run like a Vette should.
Can someone outline the materials with cost to install a retro-roller cam?
Does $600 sound about right?
I am looking for a comparable cam, maybe .510" lift and 220 duration.
I run Hedmans, but the rest is pretty much factory.
I appreciate your experience and help.
And any real world issues would be great.
I want this car to last forever, and run like a Vette should.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
More like 1K than 600. You need cam 300, retro lifters anywhere from 300 to 500 depending on what you want. Springs 150ish pushrods, 100ish then you need a cam button and possibly a new timng cover. Gaskets fluids and some other minor things I may have missed and you easily have 1000+ in it. I am going through this right now on my SB and going to a solid roller. It will be 1000 or so by the time I'm done.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,096
Likes: 990
From: Sierra Foothills CA
For all that expense, that's a pretty mild cam for a big block. Until you get into a true high performance cam I just don't think the benefit would be enough to justify the expense vs. a nice flat tappet cam. Do you plan to use original heads, intake manifold, carb, etc. or are you considering any changes there too?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,879
Likes: 38
From: Los Gatos CA
Les - This car will remain pretty much stock; it is a nice original which is what I personally like. The engine is rebuilt pretty stock with a mild Crane cam. It runs great.
Gordon - Thanks. If I have to change externals (timing cover), then I probably don't want to do this... And $1000? Ouch...
I am for long term survival and use. I believe in modern technology while keeping with classic originality.
Gordon - Thanks. If I have to change externals (timing cover), then I probably don't want to do this... And $1000? Ouch...
I am for long term survival and use. I believe in modern technology while keeping with classic originality.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
Well 1K is close but you 'should' also install a "rev kit" to hold the heavy lifters on the camshaft to follow the ramps without bouncing and killing the roller lifters thereby ruining the cam too....often over looked because of the extra added cost...and they are a nightmare of junk in the intake...
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,096
Likes: 990
From: Sierra Foothills CA
Les - This car will remain pretty much stock; it is a nice original which is what I personally like. The engine is rebuilt pretty stock with a mild Crane cam. It runs great.
Gordon - Thanks. If I have to change externals (timing cover), then I probably don't want to do this... And $1000? Ouch...
I am for long term survival and use. I believe in modern technology while keeping with classic originality.
Gordon - Thanks. If I have to change externals (timing cover), then I probably don't want to do this... And $1000? Ouch...
I am for long term survival and use. I believe in modern technology while keeping with classic originality.
I can understand your appreciation of modern technology- I feel the same way. It sounds like you really like your car the way it is. If you ever do get the bug for more power there are a couple of things you can try that would keep it looking original while really changing your power level- Porting the heads and going with bigger valves, then adding a cam to take advantage of that increased flow. You'd be surprised at the transformation that can make. Your Hedmans would work very nicely with those changes. Just something to consider for later. Enjoy your Vette!
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
I am a fan of the roller setup. That said if your cam is fine now and you like original why change it. There are a lot of flat tappet cams that run well over 100,000 miles. I would make sure I ran high ZDDP oil in it and enjoy it. If you were doing a rebuild I would recommend the roller upgrade but if it runs good now why mess with it.
