Timing cover 5.7 merc , can we use old school cover on roller vortech block ? / carbelt refuses to talk , comp refuses to answer phone / am told to use old cover and mod it to fit roller / Also motor is 5.7 mercruisr 4 bolt , 64cc chamber, 220 runner dart pro 1 iron heads , flat top pistons , 1.5 alpha drive , premium 92 octane fuel , no recirc pump , no t stat , dry pipe long tube GILL exhaust / 1.6 rockers /will this cam work 282/290 , 231/239 @ 050 , 535/550 lift , 110 lsa , rpm 2400 to 6400 in a 240 Carerra Baja cabin cruiser 4000 lbs / u can call or txt 519-385-0426 thanks

I used the GM cover on the MPI Vortec build I did with double roller chain. Didn't even have any clearance issues.

The roller cam is going to need some way of controlling the cams end play, a button on the cam gear or whatever. Make sure that it not only fits, but keeps the cam from sliding back and forth and creating an ignition timing hell for you.

There's a cam retaining plate on this application. The block is set up for a roller from the factory.

Jeff

thanks for hint using cam plate

Be sure to order the right cam!

so is this a decent cam?

Ahh, good to know. I'm a retro fit kinda guy still.

I think a little hot for a cabin cruiser. duration a little long and lobe sep a little tight. about 10 degrees shorter on duration and 112 to 114 lobe sep would be better. the cam you listed will revert with stock merc exhausts. this cam is well thought of in small block circles...http://www.ebay.com/itm/CHEVROLET-PE...BVr~ol&vxp=mtr the standard old school cover is listed as 55 to 95 engine years.

Just went through all of this.
Get the plate if your other parts work with it, it's more stable than the cam button setup which must be used when doing it as a retrofit cam.
Does your cam have the oe style stepped nose? It is needed to run the retainer plate.
If it's a no step roller, you have a retrofit style and will need the cam button. If you end up doing the cam button many folks recommend an aluminum timing cover because they do not flex. There are also spacers to go between the back side of the water pump and the outside of the timing cover to help keep the steel covers stationary, but then you can't do the crossover cooling.
Those big runner heads will make power at high rpm but will lack torque out of the hole. I'd think smaller runners would be better.
That cam is big for a heavy boat, but you are running flat tops with 64 cc chambers, it's high compression, so a big cam is needed. It's a good thing you have long tube exhaust, cause cams over 230 at .050 revert with standard exhaust.
Make sure to get a timing set that's specifically for a roller, they are a different bolt pattern.