Converting 351W Non Roller to Roller lifters

[bobcowan]

Originally Posted by blykins

Why would you want to? If the block is not ready for it, it's much easier to run a standard base circle cam and link bar lifters. Link bars are not bad at all...I use Morel lifters at about $375 a pop.

FWIW, I've run up to .640" lift on the OEM lifters/spider setup.

Why? A couple of reasons to choose this option.

- The block "conversion" is really simple: drill and tap two holes, and make sure the dog bones sit flat.

- you can use factory Ford roller lifters. Inexpensive, easy to find, and will last just about forever. $126 at Summit racing.

- You can use a factory Ford spider and dog bones. $50 at summit Racing.

The down side is the cam shaft availability. There are fewer choices with a reduced base circle. But the choices are pretty darned good, and unless you have an odd requirement - like IR intake - then you'll probably be able to find one you like off the shelf.

Currently, I'm using Ford lifters, spider, and dog bones in a Dart Sportsman block, with a standard base circle, high lift, off the shelf cam. Works pretty darned good.

Life is full of trade offs and choices. Rarely do you find one choice like this that's always better than another.

[blykins]

Originally Posted by bobcowan

Why? A couple of reasons to choose this option.

- The block "conversion" is really simple: drill and tap two holes, and make sure the dog bones sit flat.

- you can use factory Ford roller lifters. Inexpensive, easy to find, and will last just about forever. $126 at Summit racing.

- You can use a factory Ford spider and dog bones. $50 at summit Racing.

The down side is the cam shaft availability. There are fewer choices with a reduced base circle. But the choices are pretty darned good, and unless you have an odd requirement - like IR intake - then you'll probably be able to find one you like off the shelf.

Currently, I'm using Ford lifters, spider, and dog bones in a Dart Sportsman block, with a standard base circle, high lift, off the shelf cam. Works pretty darned good.

Life is full of trade offs and choices. Rarely do you find one choice like this that's always better than another.

Not really a trade-off here. He doesn't have a Dart block. It will all be dependent on the labor that his machinist charges, whether or not it would be +/- for him.

I can grind cams with any base circle you want, but in a regular Factory block, I would feel more comfortable with a standard base circle and link bars.