Is a 1986 L98 a roller motor? If not, what needs to be done to convert it to a roller motor? Thanks. Oh, and I mean it's out of a Corvette, of course. ------------------ 1992 Pontiac Firebird Formula (original 305 TBI) The project has begun: just purchased 350 TPI, Dual fan setup, OEM Posi, GM 3.42 gears and JEGS Ultimate Support Cover for 7.5 rear. 1997 Chevrolet Camaro SS # 379 (1 of 371 Black, T-Top, 6-speed) 1973 Chevrolet Camaro RS/Z28 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS 350 RIP Dale Earnhardt. I'm old enough to know better, but still too young to care!--Wade Hayes

I'm pretty sure the vette engines were not rollers. Almost positive. To convert it you could use conversion lifters, with the vertical bars to keep them from ratating in the bore (pretty expensive though). And you need to get the front of the block machined for use with a thrust plate, to keep the cam from walking. However i think they make cam buttons with roller bearings in them that can be used instead of getting the block machined. And lastly, i think you will need a roller specific timing chain and gear set. The cam gear has extra clearance for the nose of a roller cam.
Also, check to see if you can use the stock distributer gear, roller cams have hardened distributer drive gears and they will eat up a gear that isn't made for them. Something to definately check.
That's about all i can say, am I right on this stuff guys?

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'88 RS (originally 2.8)
-350, .040 over, vette alum. L98s, stock tpi.
-305 injectors & chip
-TES headers & edelbrock cat back
-3.73 gears, 700r4.
Best with 2.8-17.4@77mph
Best with 305-15.0@93mph
Best with 356-13.7@101mph
on a 2.050 60 ft.
(Damn the 2.8!)

That's about right and as far as the distributor gear goes, you'll have to use a bronze gear. The stock one won't do...

If it's a factory roller cam, including performance replacement cams, you don't use a bronze distributor gear - you use what they call a "melonized" gear. Check with a dealer or spoperformance.com.

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82 Berlinetta, orig V-6 car, now w/86 LG4/TH700R4. 2.93 limited slip. Cat-back from '91 GTA, ZZ3 intake, Accel HEI SuperCoil. AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Daily driver, work-in-progress (LG4 w/'87 LB9 block, ZZ3 cam, ported World 305 heads, Hooker headers & y-pipe, 3" Catco cat & 3" cat-back, Spohn SFCs).
57 Bel Air, my 1st car. '66 396, 9.7 CR forged TRWs, Weiand Action+, Edelbrock 1901 Q-Jet (Holley 3310 on the way), GK 270 cam, Magnum rockers, Jacobs Omnipack, 1-3/4" Hedders & 3" Warlocks, TH400 w/TCI Sat Night Special conv & Trans-Scat shift kit, MegaShifter, 3.08 8.2" 10-bolt w/Powertrax, AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Idles smooth @ 600 RPM in D. Best 15.02/95.06 @ 5800' Bandimere (corrected 13.93/102.4 @ sea level).

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for the info, so the natural progression for this topic is this:

1) How much, and what exactly must I do to convert to this motor to a roller motor?

2) If it's not worth converting it to a roller motor what cam should I go with? I was going to use a roller ZZ4 cam, what do you suggest?

I have never modified a roller motor, so I am embarassed to say this is virgin territory. I didn't just want to convert to a L98, but I wanted to upgrade the engine a bit, too.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[This message has been edited by 92 Formula (edited August 22, 2001).]

Roller cam conversion is not the bang/buck champ for a street motor. If you have a roller in the motor already then great- keep using it. But if not, I wouldn't bother with the upgrade ($800-1000). You'll be way ahead by spending your money where it really counts: THE HEADS. That's where you always get your best bang/buck.

I'd rather get a set of performance aluminum fully assembled heads for $1000 than do a roller cam conversion.

Well put Damon, and point taken. I don't, presently have the money to do the head swap, as I have to fund this TPI swap. Since I don't have a roller motor, what cam that is like the ZZ4 roller, but will work well with the '86 350 L98 does anyone/everybody suggest.

Heads are on next winters wish list, probably AFR's.