Roller Cam

[SappySE107]

I measured them again to make sure, and they are within .002 by my analog calipers. Id say thats human error on measuring it with these things.

as for the lifters, id like to see some pics of what was done cause I understand the notch cut out deal but not the different work for each side of the motor. I guess since they don't spin the oiling has to be on the oil hole size? I would have though the pressure would get the oil to the lifter no matter what side the hole was on but I haven't looked down in the lifter bore yet. Been fairly busy so far today:P

[billy wood]

So I can use roller lifters in my 2.8 ironhead..

A mechanical one need no modification.

A hydraulic need some mods to work.

Perhaps someone who did this can put together an article to put in the technical archives.

[SappySE107]

Yes, that would be excellent if we had a write up on this since this is the first ive heard of the hydraulics working in the older motors.

[jdv]

bump

[923.4v6]

I had at first set my 3.4 rwd up for the hyd. roller cam but went back to the 272 due to alot of people thinking that it would starve the bottom end of oil. Here is how I had my lifter guides set up, the bolted to the heads where the lim goes. I had studs for the lim and used nuts to tighten them down.

[geoffinbc]

Yes, that would be excellent if we had a write up on this since this is the first ive heard of the hydraulics working in the older motors.

I used to believe the myth too. I think it stems from the fact that GM revised the oiling on the motor the same year they introduced roller lifters. But then I got to looking through a lot of articles about retrofit kits and you will find that the Buick's and Oldsmobile engines used the same oiling system our engines do and they work great with roller retrofit kits. Then one motor from GM stands out as the final answer. The Chevy 4.3L uses an identical oiling system to our motor and still uses standard small block Chevy roller lifters. So why can't we use roller lifters when our lifters are nothing more than small block lifters?

Our biggest problem is not the lifters themselves but keeping them straight. The anti rotation units that are on the 3X00 motors have the right spacing but the lifter bores are not machined flat on the top of the old motors. So this may be able to be done at a machine shop but you still need to fasten it down. The easiest way however, would be to get a set of linked lifters, with the right spacing, and drop them in. Some custom pushrods and the job would be done. It would work like all the retrofit kits already on the market for other motors.

[ForcedFirebird]

The plastic retainers will sit flat in the Gen1 block, but I wouldn't trust drilling/tapping the weak Gen1 valley. I really like 923.4v6's idea and was going to use it, but also shy'd away from it because of oiling problems/rumors.

Here's the flat tappet and roller lifters side-by-side...

[923.4v6]

There was also a rumor about a small hole on the bottom sid of the lifter to oil the roller, so I tore one apart and there wasn't one. But the rumors still kept me away.

[ForcedFirebird]

Scroll up then if you think my quote came from somewhere other than this thread.

I don't have any gen 2 lifters. I have gen 3 lifters all over the freakin place. I haven't messed with a gen 2 since I swapped to the DOHC in my 91 GP 3-4 years ago. I hadn't messed with gen 3 till last year. Doubtful? More like no clue and wanted to know what you did you drop them in there. Sorry I don't read whatever other boards you are on explaining all this, but to think I am everywhere and know everything is flattering and totally wrong.

Base circle...info is in the garage and I just got up so ill post it when I get to the garage. Or you can go somewhere else and roll your eyes when someone asks you a question.

http://www.tgpforums.com/index.php?action=printpage;topic=2823.0

Google is my friend.

Talk about old threads though....

[XLR8ING]

I don't know if anyone else has seen Kimmo's set up. It is a 3100 SFI cam, lifters, chain and pushrods adapted to a 2.8L Camaro block. He didn't use the stock plastic lifter holder things, but made his own to adapt to the old block.

I hope Kimmo doesn't mind that I post a couple of his pictures for demonstration.

I don't know exact details around oiling etc. but this was done approx. 5 years ago, and I'm told it runs smoother and more powerful. The 3100 parts cam from a 96 GP engine I picked up from a local auto wrecker.

[geoffinbc]

Looks cool. I think if I were to try it I would shorten the link or make a new one for some SBC liked lifters.

[bszopi]

I know about Kimmo's setup, and do have pictures of it. But unlike most people, Kimmo has access to milling equipment and can make things like this himself. For someone without access to the equipment, it would cost more than what its worth (IMO) to make a roller setup work in a block without provisions for it.

[geoffinbc]

Agreed it would be easier to make a 3X00 block work and use your heads and intake of choice. Even on a RWD setup I think you could just make mounts and move the starter over. Never tried it but if I come across a cheep block I would snatch it up and try.

[ForcedFirebird]

Moving the starter is one of my hang-ups. The FWD block doesn't have enough meat to drill/tap it - it could actually stay if the oil filter is relocated. That and the oil pan/frame has to be modded for the swap, along with the custom motor mounts.

[geoffinbc]

I was looking at Comps site and they sell SBC lifters with removable link bars. They are solid lifters though. However you could the have link bars cut on a laser machine or machined on a milling machine to fit any lifter bore spacing. They do sell several links but I am not sure what would be required.