I have a Gen V BBC with stock timing cover and am installing a new roller cam. I have a aluminum cam button but RMbuilder recomended I use a roller cam button. What brand and part number would be best. I noticed Summit had two different sizes .640 and .925.

Why, don't you call Bob, and ask him, since he sent you the cam, I would go by what he say's.

I was trying to get is ordered today but it was kind of late to call Bob being an hour ahead. I will just wait till tomorrow to order it.

Jeff,

I have seen several roller bearing cam buttons in pieces in oil pans so I have stopped using them. I use the Teflon buttons and have had absolutely no problems. Plus, they are very easy to cut to the correct length to set end play. I use a belt sander.

That being said, I have started using the Gen 6 stepnose style cams on every Big Block I do. The retaining plate and gearset have the correct endplay built into them and there is no messing with cam buttons at all. Every Big Block ever made has the bolt holes for the retaining plate so why not use it

Bill Koustenis
Advanced Automotive Machine
Waldorfd Md

The Gen VI has a retaining plate Gen V does not. The conversion sounds like a good idea. I had my timing cover powder coated and I was planning on reusing the timing chain (standard double roller 100hrs). If I knew I was going to replace the chain I may have bought a new cover and converted to Gen VI. Oh well I am commited to the Gen V set up now.

I agree with Bill, but, I have used needle bearing buttons along with a torrington bearing on the cam gear and have had no failures, still using the retaining plate unless I am using a Jesel Belt drive. My fault! genv that cam came without a retaining plate, unless it used gears for a reverse rotation.

Is this retaining plate you are refering to hold the cam in place using the threads on the block just above and below the cam? On my engine they are not used. I have heard those were for the Gen VI cams. Is that correct? Bob ordered me a Rollmaster timing set and it has the bearing behind the cam gear. Will the alluminum button work just as well? It think it is a Mr Gasket and was about $14.

I used the Teflon button on my Gen5 blocks. You might want to take note when using the thin stock timing chain cover. The cover deflects when the rpms increase and the cam walks a little. The timing fluctuates. I used a longer bolt through the middle of my crossover and put a delrin button on the end of the bolt to put pressure against the cover to stop the deflection. This stopped my timing from fluctuating.

I just got off the phone with Bob. Apparently the Gen VI conversion requires tapping and threading new holes for the timing cover. My engine is in the boat and I am having a hard enough time as it is. If the engine were out that may have been an option. Still undecided on which button to use, Bob says he has not had any roller button failures. However teflon it prefered over aluminum. Aparently the aluminum can wear on the cover and residual metal would not be good. Thanks for all the input.

You are going to set the cam end-play while the engine is still in the boat?
I have used both teflon and aluminum with great results. I does take some time setting the endplay.