Cam help
 

I am converting my Chevy 496 (454 stroker) to a roller set up. I have a choice of doing a retro fit cam and use a double roller chain and a cam button and thrust washer. Or.......Use a gen VI roller cam and retainer plate (the block is drilled for it) and a Gen VI timing set but they only come in single roller. I'm sure you can get a double roller Gen VI but the money is sick.
What would you use?

I would do the retro fit and use a cloyes timing cover with the adjustable cam button built into it. They work great.

Here’s the deal.
I can get a new Gen VI cam for a lot less money then listed so it would be a big saving from retro cams. But if I use the Gen 6 I have to use the timing chain from a gen 6 and they are big money. And like I said you can only get a single roller. But if I use a retro I end up using a 2 piece timing cover that also cost some money along with the not getting a deal on the cam.
FYI, money is a real issue.
Thanks

My brain hurts thinking about this one. LOL..

If money is an issue, Get out while you still own your house! Only kidding. Sounds like either way the money is going to be spent. Go with the retro like he said. Good luck!

I think I would go with the retro set up. Why do you need the 2 piece cover with that? If money is going to make the decision here all you need is to do the math. If I needed to let my wallet cool off I think I would consider just going with a hydraulic flat tappet cam. You could get a nice cam and lifters for$200 compared to $1200+ to set up a roller. Comp Cams has complete kits with cam,lifters,timing chain set,springs,retainers,keepers,and seals for $350. You can always change the cam later if you wanted.
Just my 2 cents.
Jim

I used the stock cover with a retro fit roller cam and had no issues. I used a cam button with a roller bearing.

Did you all use a thrust bearing?

You talking about between the block and cam sprocket? You really need to install the cam and crank sprockets and put a straight edge across them to see how much clearance there is between the block and cam sprocket. Then you may need to have the cam sprocket or block machined some.

I used a Crane Double roller with the thrust bearing as part of the timing chain set.
http://www.cranecams.com/?show=brows...Number=13992-1

I just went through this last year. Use the double roller chain, roller cam button, new timing cover. The stamped steel cover has way to much flex. Camshaft endplay is a trick to set and needs to be done correctlly. If you want to see my project do a search for "roller cam upgrade" Good luck!!

Thanks folks.
I'm going with the retro and the button. Got to have a double roller chain.

If you would use a quality billet gear and chain setup you wont have the end play issue. Most double row set ups are pretty cheaply made. That is money well spent!!!!

The Rollmaster is the best, but not cheap.