SBC Retro-fit roller cam in later model roller block

[565bbchevy]

So I bought a mild Howards SBC retro-fit roller cam and lifters set a couple years ago for my Regal project, the engine that I was going to use that was a non roller 2 piece rear seal block had some issues so I sold it and soon I will be looking for a remanufactured short block but most of what I see are 1 piece rear mains designed for the factory hydraulic roller set up so I am wondering if there will be any issues running a retro-fit cam in a later model roller block, my main concern is will there be clearance issues with the link bars.
Also are there any issues using the earlier style double roller timing chain.

 

[melloelky]

call Howard's see what they say?

 

[axisg]

Hmm thats a good question. I have the retro-roller in my motor now and dealt with all the cam button / reinforced cover nonsense. I wonder if the nose on the retro cam clears the cam plate on a roller block ? I guess you could use the cam button and reinforced cover from a gen 1 block worst case.

I think running the factory spider retainer setup with factory lifters would be better than the link bar setup myself

 

[Kwik_Cutty88]

I’ve got about 40,000-50,000 miles (4-5 years or so) on a Retro fit roller setup from comp. It has link bar lifters and uses a cam button to set end play. We ended up dimpling a stock chrome cover to work with the cam button, and even with that sort of sketchy setup its never given me any issues.

I’ve been more than happy with a retro fit roller and wouldnt hesitate to do it again if I had to.

EDIT: You know it really helps when you read. That is a good question lol.

 

[565bbchevy]

I’ve got about 40,000-50,000 miles (4-5 years or so) on a Retro fit roller setup from comp. It has link bar lifters and uses a cam button to set end play. We ended up dimpling a stock chrome cover to work with the cam button, and even with that sort of sketchy setup its never given me any issues.
I’ve been more than happy with a retro fit roller and wouldn't hesitate to do it again if I had to.

Is this installed in a factory roller block?

 

[Kwik_Cutty88]

Is this installed in a factory roller block?

Nope. That’s why I put “it helps if you read” (you meaning me), I read too quickly and totally bypassed the whole premise of this post lmao. Sorry to get your hopes up haha.

 

[455'ed80Regal]

I've got a factory roller block and a retro roller cam. Let me stab it in with my double roller chain set and let you know if it all lines up as we hope.

 

[455'ed80Regal]

Welp, the cam goes in just fine and my crank and cam sprockets line up. I have a Comp 3100kt timing chain set. The problem is, and it's not really a problem, is that the link bars hit the tops of the lifter bores as they are taller, obviously, than a non roller block. Use factory roller lifters and problem solved.

 

[64nailhead]

Not worth the aggravation and machining costs. Timing set and cam noses are different for retrofit roller and OEM roller. It will require machining of the block and/or cam. If you have an OEM roller block, then your retrofit roller and lifters can be sold for at least 75-80% of new value which should be plenty for a set of OEM lifters and OEM roller cam.

BTW, what is the cam?

 

[565bbchevy]

Since I don't have a short block if there are any fitment issues then I will source a 2 piece rear main block and use that, but there is more of a selection and options going with a factory roller block.