lunaticinaZ

ok. if i change my camshaft to a new one thats still in working range of the
factory rockers and springs. do i need to change the lifters and push rods? or would i be ok with just swapping out the cam?

lunaticinaZ

oh yeah i almost forgot...... whats the best way to find out if a cam is a roller or flat?
i got this 350 out of a 80's somethin surburban and i wouldnt think it would have a roller cam but if it dosent can i put a roller cam in it?

lunaticinaZ

ok i found the answer to the roller or flat cam so nevermind on that one. but i would still like someones opinion on if i have a roller cam setup. and i buy a new roller cam. would it be ok to reuse the used roller lifters or should i buy new ones?

86LG4Bird

iTrader: (1)

With a roller setup, there's no need to change the lifters with a cam swap, unless they simply have high mileage on them (in excess of 150k, IMO), or the engine has had questionable oil change intervals. Roller lifters typically outlast bearings and piston rings in a SBC. Pushrods are also OK to re-use, unless you need to change the length for geometry reasons, or if you're revving to 7k and need stiffer pushrods for stability.

JakeJr

If your engine has a roller cam, you can reuse the lifters if they're in good shape.

Virtually any performance cam you decide to install is going to call for new springs. The stock ones are not only tired, but won't be able to handle the additional valve lift the new cam will provide.

Re-using the stock rocker arms can go either way. Stock rockers begin to bind when a high lift cam is installed. All depends on the cam you choose. Your camshaft company tech guy can tell you what you need.

Hardened pushrods will be required if you move to a non self-aligning rocker arm setup as will guide plates. Whether a different length is needed will depend on what you measure once the new cam is installed; sometimes yes, sometimes no.

Lots of variables here, so you first need to decide on which route you're going to take; come up with a plan.

Jake

lunaticinaZ

ok thanks to both of you. The whole reason i am asking is i have 2 engines. both 350's one came out of a surburban and one out of a T/A. the surburban engine is smoking and needs rebuilt. the TA engine is tore down and had been machined to match 20 over pistons. BUT!!!! sometime in the last 4 yrs and between 3 people 2 of the pistions have been lost. and i do not have the factory cam. Now i'm not looking for a racecar i just need a good dependable engine for my car and i am torn between which engine i should rebuild for my car. So what do you guys think? should i re-ring the surburban engine and convert to a roller cam? or completly rebuild the TA engine with new pistons and all that junk?