This may be a dumb question but I'm gonna ask it anyway.

What makes a roller block a roller and how is it different from a regular block?? For example, I've heard of 302 blocks and 302 roller blocks. Whats the difference and what make one a roller block? Is it a roller cam or something?

If I were to pick up a regular 302 block, can I put a roller cam in it?

I know this may sound dumb but I'm trying to get educated.

 

I am not sure of all the differences but I know the ones that matter to me. Roller blocks came in some GT mustangs and other vehicles (not sure of them all). The have 2 threaded holes in the lifter valley that is for a lifter holder sometimes reffered to as a spider web. This web holds the roller lifters from spinning and keeps them on track.

If there are any other differences then I don't know about them.

Roller lifters are good because they can lift a valve quicker and make less heat. Plus, you will rarely lose a cam lobe on a roller. This was common on flat tappet cams.

You can be a roller lifter kit for a non roller block. These kits use a different design than the spider web to keep the lifters true.

Maybe someone else that knows more about them can add to this.

 

from what i can tell, all blocks '86 and later are roller blocks. only the HO versions and a few passenger models came with roller lifters from the factory. the difference is that the galley has two holes drilled and tapped in it and the lifter bores are a little taller and have a flat spot on top for the spider and dogbones. roller blocks use large base-circle cams while flat tappet use small base-circle cams.

i've also read that you can retrofit the rollers into a non-roller block if you use a retrofit cam with a smaller base circle and drill the two holes for the spider. or you can use a set of retrofit lifters that are riveted together in pairs. $$ though.

 

The roller block also has no provision for the mechanical clutch linkage.

 

This will all work, we did a comp cam retro fit kit (spiders and bones) on Jim's 69 351 block, it was an easy deal, but if I had it to do over again, I would drill and tap for the spider BEFORE installing the cam bearings....

 

Generally, the only lifters that use a spider are the hydraulic rollers. Mechanicals are usually linked as well as some aftermarket hydraulics. As was said, this keeps them from spinning in the bore. If that happens, say goodbye to your cam and the lifter that spun at the very least.