What mods need to be done to install a Roller cam in a Gen IV 454 with TBI. I am looking at the Lunati 20110710LK setup. It is one of the more recommended cams for TBI big blocks. Is it worth it?
CK5
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Roller cam TBI 454
- Thread starter MTBLAZER89
- Start date
Nevermind think I figured it out. The retrofit lifters use a bar to keep them aligned with no need to drill/tap for a retainer plate. That and a cam button to prevent cam walk. Still unsure if a $650 cam and $300 lifters as well as probably new springs and rockers is worth it, or just spend that money on a decent set of heads and a $250 flat tappet cam.
I am doing roller cam in my 454 gen IV . comp parts . anymore with oils the way there going I said I am doing cam swap 1 time and done . plus free hp with rollers .
pushrods also different length . bbc cam swap = spring change from stock springs and low lift there made for .
pushrods also different length . bbc cam swap = spring change from stock springs and low lift there made for .
It's definitely not for the faint of heart, probably $1300+ just for the roller parts (no heads).
if you want full roller everything and prem parts I am close to 2000.00 in just in parts retail prices . I scored some good deals online buy looking 2-3 times a day and I have saved a lot .
1 thing I didn't plan on was new pushrod guide plates . comp cam kits bump you to 3/8" pushrods . stock gm is 5/16" push rods .
also the screw in rocker arm studs needed to be a hair longer . so I got a set of comp cams .200 longer if I recall correctly there made by arp also .
don't forget the dist gear also for a roller cam . if mech fuel pump make sure the cam lobe for it is capable of stock push rod or need something special or go electric .
1 thing I didn't plan on was new pushrod guide plates . comp cam kits bump you to 3/8" pushrods . stock gm is 5/16" push rods .
also the screw in rocker arm studs needed to be a hair longer . so I got a set of comp cams .200 longer if I recall correctly there made by arp also .
don't forget the dist gear also for a roller cam . if mech fuel pump make sure the cam lobe for it is capable of stock push rod or need something special or go electric .
What's the going price for used 8.1L? https://ck5.com/forums/threads/will-a-8-1l-work-what-mods-need-done.90174/
I was gonna say 8.1 too.
The stock 8.1 is impressive
The stock 8.1 is impressive
when i was looking for a good 8.1 for over 6 months they were over 2k and far away .
now i spent all my money on the 454 / roller cam stuff / holley sniper / serp belt stuff . . . . . one was tossed at me for way less than what i have in the 454 and from a trusted friend also .
never win i guess.
now i spent all my money on the 454 / roller cam stuff / holley sniper / serp belt stuff . . . . . one was tossed at me for way less than what i have in the 454 and from a trusted friend also .
never win i guess.
The 8.1 is still an idea. Just trying to devote a little bit of time to this truck. It hasn't run well in years. My new fuel pumps and sending units will be here tomorrow. I am going to change the distributor, plugs, and wires as well as rebuild the TBI unit. I was just reading on TBI performance and found the roller cam stuff interesting. Seems like a decent set of heads and a flat tappet cam may be a wiser choice for simple upgrades. It has a Crane cam in it right now that is 262/270.
black dawg
1/2 ton status
I used a set of oval port heads and a stock vortec 7.4 cam in mine, along with the linked lifters. Power is much better above 3k than a stock tbi 454 and pulls hard all the way to 5k, but power below is less. No prom tuning but messed with timing and fuel pressure quite a bit.
Did the Vortec cam require new springs, rocker studs etc?
longer rocker arm studs only if full roller rockers with some styles of poly lock nuts. my specific combo did tho .
black dawg
1/2 ton status
The heads I used had been rebuild and the springs (pressure and lift) were good enough so I left them. I have ran it harder than intended a couple times and really wished I had put better springs in it, but no signs of valve float ever. Used the stock rocker studs, and used the vortec pushrods and some aftermarket guide plates...seems like the vortec pushrods were bigger diameter, been awhile and don't remember for sure though. Ended up getting everything off of ebay for 450ish new.
