Roller Cam in 86 Stock motor
08-29-2015, 02:32 PM
#1
Cruising
Thread Starter
Roller Cam in 86 Stock motor
I have an all original 86 Vette with an all original engine, 92000 miles. Runs flawlessly......
I also have a 1963 Falcon restomod, with a 302 roller motor.....
In the process of building the roller motor I have since discovered the enormous amount of free horsepower available by virtue of the reduced friction......
It has been my experience with other flat tappet engines that after 80-90000 miles the lifters and cam are probably worn down and in need of replacing......
I have never installed a hi-perf cam in a fuel injected engine, like the engine in my vette......
Is it common to install roller cam setups in these motors, and what are the challenges I will face as it relates to the fuel injection and timing, etc.......?
All info is appreciated !
Mike
I also have a 1963 Falcon restomod, with a 302 roller motor.....
In the process of building the roller motor I have since discovered the enormous amount of free horsepower available by virtue of the reduced friction......
It has been my experience with other flat tappet engines that after 80-90000 miles the lifters and cam are probably worn down and in need of replacing......
I have never installed a hi-perf cam in a fuel injected engine, like the engine in my vette......
Is it common to install roller cam setups in these motors, and what are the challenges I will face as it relates to the fuel injection and timing, etc.......?
All info is appreciated !
Mike
08-31-2015, 07:57 AM
#2
I have an all original 86 Vette with an all original engine, 92000 miles. Runs flawlessly......
I also have a 1963 Falcon restomod, with a 302 roller motor.....
In the process of building the roller motor I have since discovered the enormous amount of free horsepower available by virtue of the reduced friction......
It has been my experience with other flat tappet engines that after 80-90000 miles the lifters and cam are probably worn down and in need of replacing......
I have never installed a hi-perf cam in a fuel injected engine, like the engine in my vette......
Is it common to install roller cam setups in these motors, and what are the challenges I will face as it relates to the fuel injection and timing, etc.......?
All info is appreciated !
Mike
I also have a 1963 Falcon restomod, with a 302 roller motor.....
In the process of building the roller motor I have since discovered the enormous amount of free horsepower available by virtue of the reduced friction......
It has been my experience with other flat tappet engines that after 80-90000 miles the lifters and cam are probably worn down and in need of replacing......
I have never installed a hi-perf cam in a fuel injected engine, like the engine in my vette......
Is it common to install roller cam setups in these motors, and what are the challenges I will face as it relates to the fuel injection and timing, etc.......?
All info is appreciated !
Mike
The 86 block will require retrofit roller lifters. They are lighter than the 87 and up factory roller lifters and equally reliable.
Unfortunately, they are expensive. $500 or more for the set depending on what, and where you buy.
Roller lifters will require shorter pushrods, so reusing your old flat tappet length pushrods will not be possible.
08-31-2015, 04:00 PM
#3
Le Mans Master
which block do you have? if you have aluminum heads, you have a roller block, and all that is required is to just buy a new cam and timing gears and chain, gaskets, then reinstall everything.
Make sure your roller lifters are perfect, because I have seen them come apart. Some times the rollers lose their surface treat, and they ruin the cam
If you change the cam, buy a new harmonic balancer if yours is an original.
Make sure your roller lifters are perfect, because I have seen them come apart. Some times the rollers lose their surface treat, and they ruin the cam
If you change the cam, buy a new harmonic balancer if yours is an original.
09-01-2015, 05:54 PM
#4
Burning Brakes
which block do you have? if you have aluminum heads, you have a roller block, and all that is required is to just buy a new cam and timing gears and chain, gaskets, then reinstall everything.
Make sure your roller lifters are perfect, because I have seen them come apart. Some times the rollers lose their surface treat, and they ruin the cam
If you change the cam, buy a new harmonic balancer if yours is an original.
Make sure your roller lifters are perfect, because I have seen them come apart. Some times the rollers lose their surface treat, and they ruin the cam
If you change the cam, buy a new harmonic balancer if yours is an original.
09-03-2015, 12:17 AM
#5
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Member Since: Aug 2007
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You also need a timing cover with a cam button to keep the roller cam from walking, which drives up the cost even more. The later blocks have a 2 bolt plate that keeps the cam in place. I ended up using a 1994 truck block, it didn't actually have roller lifters or a cam plate installed but it had all the machining to install the parts.