Comp SBC Retro Roller Kit - Need Cam Button?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
Comp SBC Retro Roller Kit - Need Cam Button?
I saw a thread about a noisy BBC retro roller kit and started to ask this question. Didn't want to hijack the thread, so here is my question:
I am about to install the retro roller kit from Comp in my SBC. it includes the double roller timing kit. It has the nylon cam button.
Include the cam button for cheap insurance? If the replacement, reinforced cover has clearance issues, I will use my stock cover; not going to shim the water pump and introduce belt alignment issues.
I saw a post from 'gkull' that said the cam button is not essential given the intro of the high quality double roller timing set that comes in the K-Kit from Comp.
Shall I keep my timing cover, install the nylon button from comp with the double roller timing set and sleep easy?
I am about to install the retro roller kit from Comp in my SBC. it includes the double roller timing kit. It has the nylon cam button.
Include the cam button for cheap insurance? If the replacement, reinforced cover has clearance issues, I will use my stock cover; not going to shim the water pump and introduce belt alignment issues.
I saw a post from 'gkull' that said the cam button is not essential given the intro of the high quality double roller timing set that comes in the K-Kit from Comp.
Shall I keep my timing cover, install the nylon button from comp with the double roller timing set and sleep easy?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,233
Likes: 657
From: Thunder Bay
I saw a thread about a noisy BBC retro roller kit and started to ask this question. Didn't want to hijack the thread, so here is my question:
I am about to install the retro roller kit from Comp in my SBC. it includes the double roller timing kit. It has the nylon cam button.
Include the cam button for cheap insurance? If the replacement, reinforced cover has clearance issues, I will use my stock cover; not going to shim the water pump and introduce belt alignment issues.
I saw a post from 'gkull' that said the cam button is not essential given the intro of the high quality double roller timing set that comes in the K-Kit from Comp.
Shall I keep my timing cover, install the nylon button from comp with the double roller timing set and sleep easy?
I am about to install the retro roller kit from Comp in my SBC. it includes the double roller timing kit. It has the nylon cam button.
Include the cam button for cheap insurance? If the replacement, reinforced cover has clearance issues, I will use my stock cover; not going to shim the water pump and introduce belt alignment issues.
I saw a post from 'gkull' that said the cam button is not essential given the intro of the high quality double roller timing set that comes in the K-Kit from Comp.
Shall I keep my timing cover, install the nylon button from comp with the double roller timing set and sleep easy?
I also have a cast timing cover and an Edelbrock aluminum water pump. I had to remove the washers from under the heads of a couple of the bolts that retain the cover on the rear of the pump, and grind a little off a couple of the heads to get clearance. I also didn't use the gaskets, just a little RTV. Fits with a few thou clearance.
Last edited by drwet; Jan 20, 2013 at 11:30 AM. Reason: Comments added.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
Likes: 201
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
The proper method is to move the cam back and forth and file the cam button until you get 6-8 thou. movement. It's a pain in **** but should be done, took me half a day. The 427ci wasn't so bad as it has a hole in the timing cover. Only problem is the timing cover cost me $200 
Last edited by MotorHead; Jan 20, 2013 at 01:58 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,361
Likes: 383
From: Plano TX
Or you can do it the easy way with a cast aluminum cover with a built-in, adjustable, cam button.
To adjust, install cam & cover. Then tighten the adjustment bolt until it lightly contacts the cam. Done. When the engine warms up the aluminum expands and creates the proper end play.
To adjust, install cam & cover. Then tighten the adjustment bolt until it lightly contacts the cam. Done. When the engine warms up the aluminum expands and creates the proper end play.
