Im rebuilding a 289 with edlebrocks performer rpm package. Im considering using their rolling thunder roller cam and lifters. I know I can expect a horsepower gain with this cam but what are the dissadvantages to using a roller? I want to know all the positives and negatives before I make any decision. If there is any advise you can offer I would be happy to hear it. Thanks as always.

 

I don't think a roller cam has any disadvantages.. other that it costs a bit more

 

That makes my decision pretty easy then. Thanks alot

 

One of the big things is to ensure the distributer gear matches the cam gear. Most aftermarket distributers do, but not a stock 289 gear. You may have to change it.

Also, you can't use stock type lifters with a stock typeroller cam in a non-roller block. You need to use a reduced base circle cam, or link bar lifters.

 

Thanks for the heads up about the distributor gear that haddent occured to me I think I will need to replace that. The cam Im buying will come with the lifters. What is a reduced base circle cam and will I need that? what about the link bar lifters is that what will come with the cam. Im going through edlebrock. Thanks for all the help this is my first time and ill need all the help I can get.

 

In a roller block, the lfter bosses are a differant height to accomodate the taller roller lifters and the dog bone retainers. There are two ways to go in a non roller block.

A reduced base circle cam has the same amount of lift and duration as it's flat tappet counterparts, but the base circle is smaller. That moves the lifters down in to the bores so you can fit the stock lifters, and the stock retainer parts - dog bones and spiders.

If you use the stock parts, you'll need two small "machining" operations. First, you need to drill and tap two small holes in the lifter galleys for the spider retaining bolts. I think they were 1/4". These holes are directly above the cam bearing, so be carefull when drilling. Second, you need to make sure the dog bones sit flat on top of the bores. You might have to use an angle grinder in a couple of areas, I did. It's more work, but it's cheaper. And Ford roller lifters work very well and last forever. Also, your choice of cams is slightly smaller. This is what I have in my 427 stroker, and it makes over 550hp.

The other route is to use link bar lifters. They just drop in to place like the stockers did. They're about 3 times the price. But no "machine" work, and an almost unlimited selection of cam shafts.