Hello, I have a 351w HO motor that currently resides iin my EB. The motor needs a complete rebuild, and the crank is scored fairly badly. I want to rebuild this beast, but I also want a roller cam. I have access to a '96 351w block w/ crank and pistons that needs to be rebuilt for about $200, but the crank seems to be o.k.
Question: is it better to go with the roller block, or is it just as easy to tap and drill my block for the roller cam conversion. I am interested in longevity and good power.
Thanks
Since you want the hydraulic roller stuff anyway...it's better to use the roller block. My 393 is an older 70s 351 non-roller block, but I've got hydraulic roller lifters installed. It costs extra and it's easier to just use a roller block if ya want rollers anyway.
__________________ Justin-FTE Moderator
95' F-150 XLT 4x4, 393ci stroker, 5 spd, 6" lift/35s
04' Explorer Limited 4.6L
94' Cobra - 1 of 123 made, only 30k miles
Thanks for the reply. I thought about just using my block and going with the roller lifters and reduced base circle cam, but since $$$ are an issue I figure that if the crank in the other block is good, I would be ahead of the game. My original plans were for the F.I. 393 or 408 stroker, but rust repair and drivetrain will be taking up my extra $$$.
If you go with a non-roller block, and convert it to roller, you have to use a special retrofit cam with a reduced base circle. A regular roller cam will not work. Tradoff: earlier castings have higher nickle content, especially 69-mid 70's, and are a good deal stronger in high HP situations.
__________________
'90 F-150 lariat 4x4 302 M5OD 3.55
Finally complete: 351W EFI swap (a few mods)
You don't HAVE to do it that way, my motor has a roller cam and hydro lifters even though it's an older block, they make special lifters that'll work...
__________________ Justin-FTE Moderator
95' F-150 XLT 4x4, 393ci stroker, 5 spd, 6" lift/35s
04' Explorer Limited 4.6L
94' Cobra - 1 of 123 made, only 30k miles
Well, I havn't specifically heard about these lifters you talk about. I just don't see how you could change lifter style to allow running regular roller cams. The lifter bores on non-roller blocks are considerably shorter for obvious reasons. Could you produce a link to such a piece? Maybe I have just been sleeping all these years!
__________________
'90 F-150 lariat 4x4 302 M5OD 3.55
Finally complete: 351W EFI swap (a few mods)
They have them everywhere, in the FMS catalog, jegs/summit have them.....they're a linked roller lifter that fits in a non-roller block, they make them for chevy's too. I don't know exactly if mine are the linked ones or not, but mine are a roller lifter and they're hydraulic, and they're in a non-roller block. I didn't install them, CHP did when they sent me the shortblock. You've got me curious now, I'm gonna look closer at the lifter before I put the intake on, I don't think they're linked but they may be.
__________________ Justin-FTE Moderator
95' F-150 XLT 4x4, 393ci stroker, 5 spd, 6" lift/35s
04' Explorer Limited 4.6L
94' Cobra - 1 of 123 made, only 30k miles
I agree with mustanggt221, one example CRA-36532-16
they even make roller cams with distributor gear rings compatible with cast iron (non roller) distributor gears
The retrofit lifters aren't cheap though ($300-$400 +/-), if you can get the F4TE block for $200 and its in otherwise good shape then you'd be saving yourself some money.
This forum is owned and operated by Internet Brands, Inc., a Delaware corporation. It is not authorized or endorsed by the Ford Motor Company and is not affiliated with the Ford Motor Company or its related companies in any way. FordŽ is a registered trademark of the Ford Motor Company.
