I'm getting close to switching to a roller cam in the big block!

[icetech]

I won’t be tearing into this right away. I’m planning on a 900+ mile road trip in a few weeks and don’t want to risk getting elbow deep in this and unable to get it running in time.

View attachment 1838107

The billet core looks so much different than a cast cam core. The base circle of the roller cam seems smaller to the eye but the old cam to the left was that ‘528 I wiped out in 2022. None of the lobes share the same numbers! The base casting of the 528 cam is thicker by .060.

View attachment 1838108

This is exciting for me. FBBO member @HawkRod was my inspiration to use Comp Cams. Dwayne Porter listened and advised on the specs.

View attachment 1838111

I briefly looked at the instructions then tossed them into the trash can


View attachment 1838113

Who needs those?

View attachment 1838116

View attachment 1838117

Kidding, of course.
The whole retro-roller cam swap is 100% new to me so I will not just wing it…
I’ll be asking for advice when needed and willing to see comments from others with experience in this stuff.

View attachment 1838119

Over $700 for a set of lifters and these are not even the most expensive ones! These have a good reputation and came recommended.

View attachment 1838120

Nice Kern, that's a tiny bit bigger than my 318 cam

 

[icetech]

That is a pretty cam... When i called howards they told me mine is billet...but it sure looks cast

 

[Kern Dog]

It is interesting how the link bar attaches. The lifter to the right has a simple round hole where the link bar is connected.

The lifter on the left …. The link bar has an oval slot to it to keep the lifters in line but allow vertical travel.

Todays delivery also included spring shims….

Sized at .015, .030 and .060, this will help me get to the correct installed spring height.
I’ve never checked that before. I get to learn a few new things here.
It will be at least a month before I jump in to do this. Feel free to pop in and comment, I’m sure not going to pretend that I have this all figured out on my own.

 

[kiwigtx]

Switch to roller cam Greg.

 

[padam]

We’re going to need a cost round up when done.

 

[kiwigtx]

We’re going to need a cost round up when done.

Spreadsheet with breakdown and part numbers used.

 

[kiwigtx]

Greg....for the record, a spreadsheet is not a picnic blanket that you and a girl sit on after a light snack.

 

[icetech]

Kern, did you get a new dist drive?

 

[GTXDAN]

Trick Flow Specialties TFS-9508 Trick Flow® Pro Calibrated Adjustable Pushrod Length Checkers | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - Trick Flow® Pro Calibrated Adjustable Pushrod Length Checkers with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Pushrod Length Checkers at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

Trick Flow® Pro Calibrated Adjustable Pushrod Length Checkers TFS-9508​

Part Number: TFS-9508

$26.79



Trick Flow® Pro Calibrated Adjustable Pushrod Length Checkers
Adjustable Pushrod Length Checker, Cup Tip, 7.800 in. to 8.800 in., Steel Alloy, Black Oxide, Each
See More Specifications | Check the Fit
In Stock (more than 10 available)
Estimated Ship Date: Today

 

[RemCharger]

Good idea to know what size ends the checker needs to be. And for what pushrods to order

 

[Kern Dog]

We’re going to need a cost round up when done.

When I do a major change and write about it, I am honest about what the costs are. I'll be sure to do that here as well.

Kern, did you get a new dist drive?

Yes I did.....I have one of those melonized units from Hughes Engines.

Spreadsheets....

I've heard the "office type" people speak the term but I never paid much attention to the meaning of it.
I make lists with parts and prices....I'm not a complicated guy.

 

[eldubb440]

any particular reason for using Comp Cams?

 

[Kern Dog]

For one, they really are the 800 lb gorilla in the aftermarket cam business. Dwayne Porter works with them and I trust his advice.
Hawk Rod has a cam of similar spec in his Road Runner, he is quite happy with it and it makes great power.
I can't entirely blame Comp for the 2006 failures I had with the 2 Comp Cams that I lost that year. In retrospect, every cam manufacturer was seeing an uptick in failures, a large percentage of them due to the oil formulas changing for reduced emissions. I used regular oil with the Comp pour in supplement for break in. During break in, the car ran hot so I shut it down about 15 minutes in. After a cool down, the car wouldn't get any spark so I wound up cranking on it a bit until I swapped in another distributor to run it another 15 minutes. THAT may have increased the risk of early failure. I was advised back then that my existing springs would be fine.....maybe they were, maybe not?
Just know that I am doing this by the book. I'm following all guidelines and procedures. If these parts and products are of high quality, I'll be fine.
IF there is a failure, I will post about it and deal with the fallout.