Roller Conversion on pre 1987 sb chevys?
 

I was reading a book that said that you can not convert a 350 chevy to a roller application if it was built before 1987. Is this true?

Totally untrue. In 1987 chevy cast in bosses that the lifter link bars sit on and cast in 3 bosses for what looks like a big retaining plate that holds the locking bars down. To convert a pre 1987 small block chevy to a roller cam setup, you need to get the following. Retrofit roller lifters that have the link bar permattly attached to the lifters. cast aluminum timing cover. Cam button for the front of the canshaft. Cam retaining plate to hold the cam button on. Shorter pushrods. If you call up Summit Racing they can hook you up with all the right parts. If this book says that a pre 1987 block can't be converted to roller cam, throw the book out, because obviosly the author does not know what he is talking about.

Pat

You can put roller cams/lifters in any year engine.
The '87 and up blocks were designed for them. I have an '88 350 MAG but it has a flat lifter cam in it. Merc didn't start with roller cams till later that year. Go figure. :confused:
I'd toss that book out if I was you then go out and pick up Small Block Marine Performance by Dennis Moore. This book is chocked full of information and tips on SBC's.

Iggy, where do I find this book on SBC's? The marine stores around here dont have much unless you have a Bayliner or a Sea Ray.
I cant even find a piece of hose for my Bennett Trim tabs....

Thanks, Russ7R

russ Amazon.com

I retrofitted my old 388 ci SBC with a roller cam, no problem. It tore the $hit out of the bronz distributor gear though. Look for a roller cam with the pressed on distributor drive gear, it'll save you from running a bronze distributor gear.