Can a roller cam be added to a small block engine?
Can a roller cam be added to a small block engine?
The hydraulic roller cam conversion kit that you mentioned is intended to upgrade Chevy’s one-piece rear main seal small-block engines. A little history on the small-block Chevy is in order here.
How are rollers used in a small block?
The block was modified to accept a hydraulic roller cam arrangement using what are called dog bones to retain the hydraulic roller lifters. One dog bone was used to retain a pair of hydraulic roller lifters to prevent the lifters from rotating which would destroy the camshaft.
Can a camshaft be swapped for a roller?
While a camshaft swap seems pretty simple, it’s important to note that it’s more than just sticking a new camshaft in the block and re-assembling the engine. There are a few additional parts, as well as additional assembly steps required to make sure the roller camshaft lasts a long time in our small block.
Can a roller be attached to a seal block?
The problem is that the factory-style hydraulic roller camshaft will bolt into an older, two-piece rear main seal block but the block isn’t machined to accept the dog-bone style lifter retention configuration.
The hydraulic roller cam conversion kit that you mentioned is intended to upgrade Chevy’s one-piece rear main seal small-block engines. A little history on the small-block Chevy is in order here.
The block was modified to accept a hydraulic roller cam arrangement using what are called dog bones to retain the hydraulic roller lifters. One dog bone was used to retain a pair of hydraulic roller lifters to prevent the lifters from rotating which would destroy the camshaft.
While a camshaft swap seems pretty simple, it’s important to note that it’s more than just sticking a new camshaft in the block and re-assembling the engine. There are a few additional parts, as well as additional assembly steps required to make sure the roller camshaft lasts a long time in our small block.
What kind of roller lifter do I need for a small block Chevy?
These are retro-fit tie-bar style hydraulic roller lifters that enjoy a good reputation for quality. This would be the best approach for upgrading to a hydraulic roller cam in an older two-piece rear main seal small-block Chevy. However, there will be other changes you will have to make.
