I've got the '89, LB9, automatic, peanut Cam. I want to put in a new cam but have read so much that now I'm confused.

1. I know I have a roller cam, does that automatically mean I have roller lifters?

2. Are there different types of roller lifters? Comp cams refers to "Mechanical Rollers" and "Hydraulic Rollers". Is there a difference, or is a roller lifter a roller lifter.

3. Old hats, my LB9 is bone stock. If there different types of roller lifters, what kind do I have?

Another question is, are the stock 305 heads limited in the amount of lift....before the pistons slap the valves? .500 seems to come to mind. (I'm not sure of my casting #'s, I'm assuming just stock are all the same)

Thanks

RB

 

1. yes

2. yes there are, its just like flat tappet cams, there is solid and hydralic...you have hydralic

3. You have stock GM roller lifters that are held in by GM parts, 8 retaining holders and one spider holding the retainers in place that in turn keeps the lifters from rotating in the holes.

The springs and retainer to guide clearence are more important for you to look at before piston to valve interfernce....it takes a bit more than .500 lift before you start hitting pistons.

 

Thanks for the quick reply Aron,

Got it. Hydraulic Rollers.

So with hydraulic lifters, an LT1 cam should go right in without any problems? Or would I have to do rollers and springs and push rods too?

My understanding is that 'usually' theres no need to replace roller lifters on a well maintained setup? But, mine has mega-miles on it, so new lifters would be a good idea I guess.

Do I need any prom changes if I slide in an LT1 cam, or will it be driveable as is?

 

yes the LT1 will go right in...I would do a spring upgrade anyways just for the fact that stock GM springs suck

if the rollers spin freely you usally do not need to replace them

Driveable yes...but even in stock form the prom could use help, so when you upgrade the cam you should look into tuning the chip to it.

 

Gotcha

I can handle the springs/cam, proms are foreign to me....

Gotta do more homework I guess.

Thanks
RB