I have picked up a 351W and AOD for the F1. The block is date coded as a 1974 therefore solid lifter. Can I convert to Hydraulic roller? I know I will need the lifter hold down tray and tap the block to suit but what else do I need to do other than buy parts?
Want the hydraulic lifters just for ease of setup and maintenance.

John

 

That motor is hydraulic lifter unless somebody altered it along the way. just purchase a flat tappet hydraulic cam and be on you're done.

 

Someone correct me, but why do you think this is a solid lifter block? To the best of my knowledge factory solid lifters were gone by 1970-1971. By '74 smog equipment was in full swing and no real performance engines were left.

I'm not an engine expert by any stretch but I question any 1974 block having a factory solid lifter cam??

 

I don't have an answer to your question, but there are some really sharp guys in the Small Block forum:


Small Block V8 (221, 260, 289, 5.0/302, 5.8/351W) - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums


You might post your question there and give Conanski a shot at answering it. Good luck!

 

Thanks guys, my assumption and we know what assuming does.....
So hydraulic flat tappet it is, no cam running in issues!!
Now I just need to decide on the build as I got it as a short block so may be an Edelbrock top end kit or similar from TFS? Any thoughts, preferences?

Thanks

 

Your block is a hydraulic flat tappet engine. You can easily convert to a hydraulic roller set up by buying a retro-fit kit. If you are so inclined to do this conversation I highly recommend it. With today's low zinc oil it will last longer and run better, you can just run a hydraulic flat tappet cam and lifters but you need to be careful with break in and adding good high zinc oil if you want it to last.

 

I'm interested in the retro fit kit you mention, suppliers?

Thanks

 

Ford Performance and most of the major cam manufactures. Take a look at Summit Racing or Jegs.

Here is a link to get you started.
FORD FORD SMALL BLOCK WINDSOR Parts and Accessories - roller-lifter - Free Shipping on Orders Over $99 at Summit Racing

 

Dave, all makes sense now. I should have known the answers but I guess I was confused over the flat tappet bit. I built a 302 last year for my FFR and used new roller lifters from summit. I didn't know you could just swap the flat for the rollers. I need the installation kit and that's there also!!
Thanks for your help.
John

 

Your welcome, yes you can just switch lifters but you also need a roller cam because the ramp profiles are different, just for clarification.

Good luck on your build.

 

There are two methods to convert to a hydraulic roller cam in a non hydraulic roller compatible block.


1) Use standard hydraulic roller lifters and purchase a retrofit hold down tray and hardware. With this setup you must use a retrofit type hydraulic roller cam. A retrofit hydraulic roller cam uses lobes with a small base circle to compensate for the taller hyd. roller lifters.


2) Use tie bar style hydraulic roller lifters. With these you can use any standard (non retrofit) hydraulic roller cam.


Method 2 is by far the better option. Method 1 limits cam choices, plus small base circle cams have a greater tendency for valve float than standard base circle cams. Method 1 is just not as good of a setup.


Many people go with method 2 and use Morel brand lifters. I have a 351W setup like method in a 1969 Mach 1, but with Crane brand lifters. It works great.

 

OK, here's a twist and another question -

The lifter valley does not have the tapped holes for the lifter hold down plate


and is that hole near the lifter bore correct?

 

1956 F100, I thought I was getting it now another question
What is the difference between a'retrofit hydraulic rollercam' and 'any standard(non retro fit) hydraulic roller cam?
Thanks

 

The holes in the valley I see in your photo's are oil drain back holes. Not the holes to attach the lifter retainer. Lifter retainers are attached with two 1/4" course thread bolts.


Off topic: In the second photo is that a small triangular piece chipped out of the block?


Retrofit hydraulic roller cam vs. standard hydraulic roller cam:


On a retrofit hydraulic roller cam the base circle of the lobes are smaller diameter so the lifter will sit down farther in the lifter boss on the block. Basically the entire lobe is smaller, both at the peak of the lobe and the base (back ) of the lobe. I don't know all the terms. This allows stock hydraulic roller lifters to be installed in a non compatible hydraulic roller block with the OEM style retainer tray and dog bone retainers.


Standard hydraulic roller cams have larger diameter base circles. Thus, overall larger lobes. Since this causes lifters to stick up higher in the lifter boss the OEM style lifters and retainer assembly cannot be used in a non hydraulic roller compatible block. Thus, tie bar style hydraulic roller lifters are used in this situation. Again, this is a better option for a non hydraulic roller compatible block.


Factory hydraulic roller compatible blocks, (1994 and newer 351W's) have taller lifter bosses than older non hydraulic roller compatible blocks.


Here is a link describing cam lobe base circle. Cam Spec Terms - Lunati Power


Hope this helps.


Mike

 

Ah nope, sorry. I am more confused now than ever.