Roller Cam Bearings
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 30
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Yup, pretty expensive. But one of the articles I have read in the past suggested it as a way to save a block with spun cam bearings. Havn't done that yet, but I was offered an old block that had probably spun one or two, and if that was the only damage, I thought it might be smart to get some insight.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
Roller cam bearings have usually only been installed with motors with very large lift cams that have monster seat/open pressures. It tends to try to push the cam right thru the bottom of the cam bearing.
In a normal motor this is not a needed option. It can be done, but I dont see any benefit.
Depending on which bearing is spun, you may be able to open the bore and use one of the other size bearings from the same motor. I had to do this with the 428 in race car. The bores were so far off the cam would NOT fit. Come to find out #2 was off center like .020. We bored it out to fit the larger front bearing. No problems. Luckily the bores are stepped down as they go towards the back of the block.
In a normal motor this is not a needed option. It can be done, but I dont see any benefit.
Depending on which bearing is spun, you may be able to open the bore and use one of the other size bearings from the same motor. I had to do this with the 428 in race car. The bores were so far off the cam would NOT fit. Come to find out #2 was off center like .020. We bored it out to fit the larger front bearing. No problems. Luckily the bores are stepped down as they go towards the back of the block.
Last edited by Freightrain; Aug 18, 2004 at 03:18 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,624
Likes: 8
From: Missouri
I strongly agree with Larry here. They are a very expensive option for very little gain on anything but an all out race engine. I used the durabond coated bearings and they cost $40. They are probably overkill but they will probably last a few rebuilds.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,931
Likes: 12
From: SW Michigan
just say no
more agreement here, just say no to roller cam bearings. It has been tried on some 429/460 blocks, and worked okay, but there doesn't seem to be any gains. Roush tried it on a 390 and ended up wrecking the block. It isn't always possible to remove enough metal in the cam bores to fit the bearing you want, although you could reduce the size of the journal on the cam.....seems to be just a way to spend more money. If you want 'hard' bearings most of the cam companies offer tougher ones intended for roller cams, or you can use the FT cam bearings. DF
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,624
Likes: 8
From: Missouri
I do beleive also you can put grooved bearings in with grooves on the cam to get extra oiling. I don't beleive roller bearings help out in situations like that. As long as you have a good supply of fresh clean oil there is no metal to metal contact. If there is constant metal to metal then it doesn't matter which bearing you run, they will both end up in pieces down in the oil pan.
I feel the same way about roller cams. The reason they make so much more power is they allow for almost any lobe shape you want to throw at it.
I feel the same way about roller cams. The reason they make so much more power is they allow for almost any lobe shape you want to throw at it.
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