hello. i'm new to this forum. my friend and i are putting together a 350 for my camaro. i am wanting to convert my old style block to a roller motor. what all parts would i need to get? someone said to just get the retro-fit kit, but then i read somewhere that there are parts missing from that kit to completely install it. since i'm fairly new to building engines, it would help it you were specific on that parts i need to get and what they do. thanks a million for your help.

 

A set of retro fit roller lifters, a retro roller cam, and a thrust button. That's it.

 

what would be the difference in regular roller lifters and retro fit roller lifters? what does the thrust button do and where does it install? will i need a wear plate and what does it do?

 

Retrofit rollers come in pairs with a link bar between them to keep them from turning in their bores. OEM type rollers use the goofy little dogbones. They're not interchangeable. The thrust button goes in the center of the cam sprocket and limits the forward motion of the cam. The OEM method to limit cam motion was to machine the cam and the block for a retainer plate.

 

that information is very helpful. i was looking at the comp camshafts on summitracing.com and i found a camshaft that fits my needs. at the bottom on the page on summits site it says NOTE: Requires thrust button and wear plate. now I know what the thrust button is, but what is a wear plate and do i really need it?

 

you'll need a bronze distributor gear too

 

i always wanted to know if i need to prime the oil system with roller lifters just like with flat tappet ones. what is going to be the start up procedure for a roller cam. which oil to use

 

I think the retro rollers are also taller than the factory rollers. Retro style doesn't use a "spider" in the lifter valley as well (don't worry about that).
You'll need pushrods meant for a roller motor I think. They're something like .3" shorter then flat tappet ones.

-will he need a reinforced timing chain cover?
-not sure about the wear plate

You do not need to run the engine at 2500RPM for 20 minutes to break in the cam, if that's what you were asking. Fire up the cam, set the idle, and go tear it up. In order to seat the rings of course. And get an idea on your mixture/timing settings.

 

You won't need a bronze distributor gear unless the cam core is steel billet (racing mechanical roller and some street mechanical rollers). As far as cam break in....There is none (regardless of roller lifter type). Keep in mind if you are using new springs, let the motor come up to temp and then shut it off so the springs take a heat set. One of the worst things you can do to new springs is beat the snot out of them before they have had achance to take a set.

 

man you guys sure do know your stuff. i think im pretty well set on the info i needed. what should i do to prime the oil system before the engine is fired? i want it to have oil pressure immediately.

 

Use an oil pump primer tool if you want.

 

I just got done going retro roller on my 400. There's a "Retro Roller Project" thread I had going a few months ago...PM me if you have any further Q's.....

Seems like most everything's been answered already!

 

If I ever break down and do it I will most likely go this route seems the most affordable.

I was considering getting these lifters since they are a little more affordable. Dont know how good they are. Speed Pro is a pretty respectable company though.

SEALED POWER HT5000RA-8 HYDRAULIC ROLLER LIFTER $348.95 BUY ONLINE]

Or these:

Competition Products-SBC Retro-Fit Hyd. Roller

This supposedly allows a late model roller cam in an early block.

Hydraulic Roller Retro Fit Cam Button Wear Plate Kit L98 SBC Applications: Lingenfelter Performance Engineering