BB retro hyd roller cam shaft install help please

[Keith B.]

my engine builder and I want to put a hyd roller cam from a latter model crate 454 into my 396. our problem is non of the parts counter guys seem to know what we are talking about. we are looking for a part number for a cam with a fuel pump lobe on it. it does not need to be the steel. any help would be appreciated

[Joe L.]

Re: BB retro hyd roller cam shaft install help please

my engine builder and I want to put a hyd roller cam from a latter model crate 454 into my 396. our problem is non of the parts counter guys seem to know what we are talking about. we are looking for a part number for a cam with a fuel pump lobe on it. it does not need to be the steel. any help would be appreciated

Keith------

There are two possible ways to go:

1) Obtain a retrofit hydraulic roller cam kit from an aftermarket manufacturer like Speed-Pro/Federal-Mogul, Comp Cams, Crower, Crane, etc. This will include everything you need for the installation. Many different grinds are available from mild to wild. Don't even think about a wild version, though. All retrofit hydraulic roller cams include a fuel pump lobe. I would suggest using one that does not require a special distributor gear such as those manufactured by Speed-Pro plus any others that use a pressed-on, cast iron distributor gear.

2) Use one of the following GM cams both of which have a fuel pump lobe. However, these cannot be used with a GM lifter set-up in a Mark IV block. You will have to obtain aftermarket hydraulic roller lifters (paired lifters with bar-link). With these cams you can use a standard GM thrust plate instead of having to use a thrust button. However, you may have to drill and tap the boss on the front of the block for the plate retaining screws. A thrust plate is better than a thrust button. With any of these cams you will need to use a special, melonized gear on the distributor. Both cams are used in GM crate engines.

camshaft GM #24502611-----------211/230 degree duration @0.050"; 0.510/0.540 lift

camshaft GM #12366543-----------224/234 degree duration @0.050"; 0.527/0.544 lift

thrust plate GM #10168501

thrust plate screws (button head) GM #14093637

distributor gear GM #10456413

[Keith B.]

Re: BB retro hyd roller cam shaft install help please

thanks Joe but can I use part number 12371056 and drill and tap my block. or would it be best to use the lifter with the bar link part number 88962920

[Joe L.]

Re: BB retro hyd roller cam shaft install help please

thanks Joe but can I use part number 12371056 and drill and tap my block. or would it be best to use the lifter with the bar link part number 88962920

Keith-----


You can't use the GM #12371056 lifter kit for two reasons. First and foremost, there are no raised bosses in your block to drill and tap for the "spider" retaining bolts. Second, the tops of your lifter bores are not machined flat for the anti-rotation plates.

GM #88962920 is a link bar type lifter but it is a MECHANICAL roller lifter. I don't recommend mechanical roller lifters for the street and you certainly cannot use them with either of the cams I previously described.

[John H.]

Re: BB retro hyd roller cam shaft install help please

my engine builder and I want to put a hyd roller cam from a latter model crate 454 into my 396.

Keith -

If that's a '65 (or '66) block, the cam will also have to have a groove machined in the rear journal (and the '65-'66-only 3-hole grooved rear cam bearing).

[Keith B.]

Re: BB retro hyd roller cam shaft install help please

Thanks Joe I will for get about then. Off to look at some good USA made lifters

And John unfortunately this is the third time I had to buy a cam for this and know all about the grove I wish I bought a 67 block so I would not have to worrie about it