351 Non-hydraulic roller cam

[Kyle5371]

Ok, I have two questions about the heads.

1. Is hydraulic roller cams better for street/stripe day driver?

2. If so, what do I need to convert it to a hydraulic roller cam?

Thanks for your help and info,

Kyle (Kyle5371)

[bojo68]

On the what do you need, a 94+ lightning block...

[250mav]

ive seen the conversion done to 302s and it didnt seem too bad, tho it does involve drilling and tapping a few things into the lifter valley, like this.

http://scooper77515.fordmaverick.net/jpgs/dogbones.jpg

roller engines use diffrent valve springs, lifters and push rods

roller 351W's came out in the early 1990's so i dont see what the need would be to seek out a 94+ lightning to get one

[frdfandc]

He doesn't have to do the spider conversion. He can get roller conversion rockers.................they aren't cheap tho.

http://www.compperformancegroupstores.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CC&Product_Code=8931-16&Category_Code=HRL


http://www.compperformancegroupstores.com/store/graphics/00000001/Pro_Magnum_Hydraulic_High_Performance_Roller-Lifters_885_600x600.jpg

[bojo68]

Yeah, and there's a reason for that.(high dollar specialty lifters for non roller blocks, STOCK ROLLERS OFTEN DON'T WORK) While I'm not gonna say a non roller block can't be converted to roller, I will say that it's been done a lot, and there's enough casting variances that often enough the higher riding roller lifter doesn't have enough support around the top to keep the oil pressure sealed in. All I'm gonna say is if you think your just gonna throw rollers in a standard block, good luck, it's made fools out of many before. If ya insist on trying it(being a cheap ahole, I'm the type that would) ya better KNOW what your doing, and double check all the measurements. The 94+ lightning blocks lifter bosses are cast higher, and while not all of them were roller, the castings were all the same.
Cams for rollers in a non roller block require reduced base circle, more expense to look out for.
Unless I miss my guess, Silver's working with a 95 Cobra engine, and may be able to speak to the differences as I think it's the same as the lightnings.

[Kyle5371]

The block is a '74 D4 casting.

Does anyone know where I can find out more info on the block?

Thanks

[on3 racing]

from what i have seen it really depends on the price of the block. for the most part the roller blocks cost about 500-600 bucks. the non-roller are cheap like 100 bucks so the cost differnce in lifter really is the same but you end up with a better block and better lifters. this is just what i notice when pricing things out.

[Kyle5371]

With the roller conversion rockers will I have to up date the cam too?
Or can I run a non-roller on the street as a DD and 1 to 3 times a year strip car?

I have heard that the non-roller has a loud clicking sound.

How can I tell what type of block it is from a dealer/junk yard?

[250mav]

With the roller conversion rockers will I have to up date the cam too?

yes, with a roller cam


I have heard that the non-roller has a loud clicking sound

a non-roller in good running shape can be just as quiet


How can I tell what type of block it is from a dealer/junk yard?

roler blocks started in 85 or 86 i believe

pulling the intake manifold off and having a look would be another way of checking and knowing for sure.

[Kyle5371]

"pulling the intake manifold off and having a look would be another way of checking and knowing for sure."

What am I looking for?

Thanks all for the info

[250mav]

it'll have the "dogbone" up the middle, that rusty brownish looking thing. non-rollers dont have that

http://scooper77515.fordmaverick.net/jpgs/dogbones.jpg

heres a non-roller below

http://a427.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/55/l_dcc9fc9cc59009d7c818e6abd6a0ff5a.jpg

[Kyle5371]

Thank you. You have been very helpful.

[bojo68]

With the roller conversion rockers will I have to up date the cam too?
Or can I run a non-roller on the street as a DD and 1 to 3 times a year strip car?

I have heard that the non-roller has a loud clicking sound.

How can I tell what type of block it is from a dealer/junk yard?

"ROLLER CONVERSION ROCKERS" is a different subject entirely. Let's be clear we're talking about roller conversion LIFTERS....:)

[Kyle5371]

"ROLLER CONVERSION ROCKERS" is a different subject entirely. Let's be clear we're talking about roller conversion LIFTERS....:)

What do you mean? I have a 1974 block. What I am look for is the best set up for a summer DD that sees a little track time. I am planning to put a turbo on it this winter/spring, when ever I save up the rest of the money. Hoping to turn about 600-700 hp and some 500+ torq.

Can it be done on a non-roller lifter block? I am now looking for a roller rockers for the heads.

[250mav]

the roller rockers are an independent assembly from the roller rocker discussion. you need te roller lifter conversion to do a roller cam but you can still use stock rockers. roller rockers have the rolling tip. the rocker is just pushed up and down by the push rod. in most cases it has nothing to do with using one lifter or the other.

daily driver and 700hp turbo engine usually arent the same thing. it can be done with that block but your looking at a full rebuild to make that happen

[Kyle5371]

Rebuilt with DSS racing engine kit, main support, and windage tray. AFR 210 heads and forged crankshaft. Maximum Motersports maximum grip box (almost all done). Turbo to came soon.

I am hoping that it will hold and be good to rip up the street.

[bojo68]

Rebuilt with DSS racing engine kit, main support, and windage tray. AFR 210 heads and forged crankshaft. Maximum Motersports maximum grip box (almost all done). Turbo to came soon.

I am hoping that it will hold and be good to rip up the street.

Not gonna speak to your particular assembly, but at 700hp, your getting right up close to where even the best production ford small blocks are done. I haven't heard of any of them holding together at 800.

[Kyle5371]

Not gonna speak to your particular assembly, but at 700hp, your getting right up close to where even the best production ford small blocks are done. I haven't heard of any of them holding together at 800.

I agree, I want to get around 600. Summer fun in Michigan is what I am looking for. I want to pull somewhere in the tens with it fully loaded (A/C and stereo system).

The car will NOT be a 3200 pounder. I am guessing that it will be around 3500-3700 lbs.

Thanks for your help.

Kyle