Roller cam in a non roller block

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Feb 23, 2001 | 02:51 PM

mjb1962

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From: Connecticut

Roller cam in a non roller block

I am considering installing a roller cam in a 1989 F150 with a 5 Liter non roller block. The engine has been converted to Mass air sequential EFI, a Ford Motorsport kit. Also have Edelbrock p/n 6037 aluminum heads waiting to go on.
Crane offers roller lifters p/n 36532-16 that install without any block machining. The big question is will a 5.0L High output cam work in this setup? The firing order is the only difference? Can't I re-route the spark plug and injector wiring to match the firing order? I ask since there are more available cams for this motor that are computer compatible. Anyone with experience here please respond. Thanks
mjb1962(No Email Addresses In Posts!)

Feb 23, 2001 | 06:27 PM

lvstang

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Roller cam in a non roller block

No, the base circle of the cam is different. Try Ford Performance Solutions in Anaheim California. They take the non roller cam and re-grind it to optimize a roller and fuel injection set up. That's who set up my cam for my '83 block conversion to a roller cam. Ask for Troy.
They also sell the retro kit which utilizes the stock style spider in the lifter valley that hold the lifters from rotating. All you do is install a compression type threaded insert into the existing holes in the valley and your converted!

Feb 23, 2001 | 11:09 PM

loudfords

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From: Beachville, Ontario

Roller cam in a non roller block

I thought the later truck EFI motors used the same block as a 5.0 HO and so could accomodate a roller cam without any extra work?

1979 F150 Custom: 75 351W, Edelbrock & Holley
1987 F150 XLT Lariat: 88 351W EFI
Chevy 454: waiting for a truck (Mazda?Nissan?)

Feb 25, 2001 | 07:04 AM

mjb1962

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From: Connecticut

Roller cam in a non roller block

Thanks for the info. I found their website and will contact them for advice.
Mark

Feb 25, 2001 | 07:42 AM

mjb1962

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Roller cam in a non roller block

Loudfords,
I thought the same but get so many conflicting stories, even from the techs at Comp and Crane. I wish someone who actually attempted this was out there!
Mark

Mar 11, 2001 | 10:15 AM

roland

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Roller cam in a non roller block

I have installed the entire roller cam setup from an '95 5.0L GT
into an '88 5.0L truck block. The block was made to take the roller setup. Just remember that the distributer gear must be changed to a steel gear to match the roller cam. Mine was converted (down graded?)to a carb & dura spark II. Hope this helps.
Rol White

Mar 13, 2001 | 05:43 AM

mjb1962

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From: Connecticut

Roller cam in a non roller block

Roland,
Thanks for the reply. You installed a 5.0L HO cam in a 88 truck block? This is basically what I am considering, except mine is a 89. I have several questions. Perhaps you could give me your email address as I will probably have more.
What cam did you install? Do you know the p/n?
What lifters did you use? I was considering Crane's vertical locking bar setup but I heard a quality complaint and am not sure now.
What pushrods did you use?
Did you have to change the firing order since a 5.0 Mustang is different, I believe?
Was it a simple installation? Did you run into any problems?
Thanks for any help,
Mark
mjb1962(No Email Addresses In Posts!)