1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Brougham

[gdouaire]

Is this a known hack...? Using chevy sb roller lifters instead of buick 231 specific roller lifters? Looks like it could work, specifications are the same except shorter pushrods required.

( ...not that I have a roller camshaft to use with these... 🫠 )

 

[gdouaire]

Cool, a bit more get up and go with the improved handling. At least you will be able to keep up with modern traffic.

Indeed! The 3.73 diff helped a bit, but the engine will be really welcomed.

 

[gdouaire]

So the Buick GN camshaft I bought used is going in, I have a flat tappet set of lifters, etc.

The engine is at TDC on #1 and I added a mark on the flywheel for later when the timing cover is back and I need to adjust the distributor.

 

[olds307 and 403]

Are you using flat tappet lifters on a roller cam? The big thing on those sbc roller lifters is the oil feed hole position on the side. For example, factory Olds Diesel and late 307 .921" roller lifters can be used in early flat tappet .921" Olds blocks, if the cam lift is kept very mild, which kind of defeats the purpose. Otherwise the holes become exposed and goodbye oil pressure.

 

[gdouaire]

Are you using flat tappet lifters on a roller cam? The big thing on those sbc roller lifters is the oil feed hole position on the side. For example, factory Olds Diesel and late 307 .921" roller lifters can be used in early flat tappet .921" Olds blocks, if the cam lift is kept very mild, which kind of defeats the purpose. Otherwise the holes become exposed and goodbye oil pressure.

The cam I am using is a used OEM Buick GN 1987, which is a flat tappet setup. It is a bit hotter than the original 1979 Turbo cam that came with the engine. Roller camshafts are not obtainable right now for Turbo Buick, so I will have to wait to go roller.

Very good point regarding the lifter oil feed position. They seem to be a few mm higher on the SBC lifters. That would have to be checked carefully before using them in a Buick V6.

 

[olds307 and 403]

Interesting that the GN stayed flat tappet right till the end. Yes, that cam should help power and work quite well, designed for boost.

 

[gdouaire]

Oil pickup installed, pan installed.

I have installed the OEM timing chain tensioner, but will replace it with the newer design (it's in the mail):

Also waiting for the updated camshaft button, which is in the mail. And a full fastener kit for the water pump / timing cover.

Guess will have to wait a bit!

 

[gdouaire]

Replaced the early-style tensioner by the newer one (used on V6 3800 such as the Reatta, etc). Had to trim the bolt by 0.5".

Old style:

New style:

 

[gdouaire]

Next steps are: waiting for more things in the mail 🙂

Replacing the front crank seal, ditching the rope for a newer style seal; need fasterners for the timing cover and the water pump.

So waiting is in order 🙂

 

[gdouaire]

compact starter is ... compact!