Have you installed a Roller Cam on an LA?

[TripleT]

If so, I'd like to hear from you.  I'm planning for this conversion on a 340, and am interested in recommended cam and lifter combos, as well as the oil mods you did, as are detailed here:

http://www.moparmusclemagazine.com/techarticles/mopp_0908_small_block_roller_camshaft_install/index.html

Lifter selection may limit the necessity of the oil mods, I'm interested in any thoughts on that, as well as bushings on the lifter bores, etc., and overall experience with this process.  Thanks!!

[TripleT]

I did find this thread which is great. 

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=50040.0

[Chryco Psycho]

I have never installed a roller cam into a small block but I have seen the tube driven into the lifter oil gallery & dented out to clear the lifters , pain in the butt to do

[71chally416]

I think (I could be wrong) that you can now buy lifters that don't need the block modification to use. I can find out for you this weekend.

[loco340cuda]

I think (I could be wrong) that you can now buy lifters that don't need the block modification to use. I can find out for you this weekend.

  I know I have read an article on this and you don't have to do any modification. I think maybe the brand was Herbert but I'm not really sure.  The thing that I did remember was that they were not real expensive compared to other roller lifters that are on the market (i.e. Comp Cams).

Let us know what you find out.

[TripleT]

Thanks guys, I've been reading the article online at Mopar Muscle mag, and they detail the necessity of the oil mod based on the lifter shape.  Look forward to your reply, this is important for the planning stages and for picking the lifter cam combo.

Thanks.

[moper]

The two issues are oil control and the tie bar clearance. I will not use a roller cam without bushing the lifter bores. Period. However tubing the block will have some of the same affect in terms of oil controll. The issue is leakage around the lifter at max lift or on the base circle, depending on lfiter design and cam grinder. Also, should the valve train fail (much more likely using a roller cam and associated support stuff) then the engine looses oil pressure to the mains due to the oiling system design. So you should do something there. The other issue is the tie bar clearance around the factory block. Comp makes a good set that sometimes drops in, sometimes needs some grinding, but minor stuf. However, Brian (OU812 on Moparts) has a custom set from Comp that drops in and uses a better pushrod seat angle.

[moparrick]

I have a 70 cuda 340.  I recently installed a roller cam. I have not run the engine yet.  I installed a Crane cam and lifters that I bought last year (when Crane was still in business).  When I turned the oil pump with a drill, it developed about 22 PSI of oil pressure.  This seams about right considering my drill spins at about 300 RPM which is equalvient to about 600 engine RPM's. At idle of 900 RPM I expect to get at least 30 psi and much more ar speed. The crane lifters are designed to replace the flat lifters with no oil modifications.  They slide right in.

Other items to consider - You will need adjustable rockers and custom lenght push rods.  The roller lifter is longer that the stock lifter, so a shorter pushrod will be required.  This needs to be measured with the lifter installed.  An adjustable pushrod (for measuring only) can be purchased from Summit.

I also have edelbrock preformer heads.  The stock push rod is 5/16". Do not replace with 3/8" as it will not clear the passage in the heads.  Don't know if this is an issue with stock head.

Good luck and let me know if I can be of further help.

Rick