RetroFitting a Hyd Roller - How hard?

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Oct 29, 2004 | 03:12 PM

mike229

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Joined: Feb 2004

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From: Tampa FL

RetroFitting a Hyd Roller - How hard?

Ok I know I want to stay hydraulic for the reliability and street use only and I am very "inexperienced" and I think I may have enough courage to do the heads, intake, and a standard Hydraulic cam upgrade from the one in there now.

Is taking on a Hydraulic Roller too hard for someone whose never changed a cam before? I will have help but not from anyone who's done a roller either.

This article is what is scaring me...
http://chevyhiperformance.com/techar...8_0307_roller/

Crane and Comp make full kits to do this minus the pushrods and rockers.

Is it worth the extra $$ and the risk of not doing it right? Or am I turning into something harder than it is - will everything just "line up" with no problems?

Going into my stock LS5 Block, and Ill probably just use performer or GMPP Alum. Heads.

Thanks...

Oct 29, 2004 | 03:47 PM

SteveG75

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From: FL

After wiping two flat tappets, I went with a hyd roller retro-fit. I found it pretty easy actually. Now, I did it for a small block so details may vary.

Crane had a kit with lifters, springs, seal, keepers, pushrods, fuel pump rod, cam button for the little more than the lifter price alone. I did not use their cam button but bought a new aluminum timng chain cover from Cloyes that has a built in button. This one is also adjustable for free-play from the outside of the cover. Very easy. Replaced the distributor gear with a new "melonized" gear from GM for about $30. This is the gear that GM uses with their roller cams (ZZ4, etc).

OK, couldn't find a part number for the kit but I'll check at home. Here is a link to the cover:
http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerc...80&prmenbr=361

Oct 29, 2004 | 03:54 PM

Gordonm

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From: Forked River NJ

I like that cover. That should work great for roller cams.
Should not be a problem retro fitting the hyd. roller into a BB. It has been done many times and if you get all the correct pieces it should be fine.

Oct 29, 2004 | 04:04 PM

Brettmc

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From: St Louis MO

I'm wondering how that cover will fit behind a short bb water pump. There is no room between the rear of my Stewart pump and the Edelbrock cast timing cover. In fact, the cover is relieved to clear the water pump rear cover boltheads.

Brett

Oct 29, 2004 | 04:18 PM

MotorHead

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From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.

I had to grind the bolt heads on the back of my Stewart water pump to fit that cover on my 406ci but on my 355ci with stock pump the Cloyes cover fit perfect, great timing cover by the way

Oct 29, 2004 | 07:39 PM

SteveG75

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From: FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by MotorHead

I had to grind the bolt heads on the back of my Stewart water pump to fit that cover on my 406ci but on my 355ci with stock pump the Cloyes cover fit perfect, great timing cover by the way

I have the GM aluminum pump and just replaced the bolts on the back with button allen-head screws. No problem.

Forgot to mention that the Cloyes cover comes with allen head bolts and a nice one piece gasket that does both the cover and the water pump.

Last edited by SteveG75; Oct 29, 2004 at 07:43 PM.