Hey guys, the deal is that I've got a '95 E150 van 302 and a '79 model (freshly rebuilt) 351 W on my engine stand. I know it is a fresh build, cause I personaly know the machinist and traded for him to build and assemble the engine. My question is: since I'm afraid of the JUNK chinese lifters that are now made and this thing may or may not have them in it? It was built about 6 years ago and has been in the bag on my stand for that long. What all is necessary to convert an old '79 model 351W to roller? I have a good 302 that already is a roller motor and could change the stock cam to a 302HO roller cam that I already have.
I thought I remember someone on here said that it was ALOT Of trouble to change an older motor to roller? I'd like to have around 300HP. I guess the real question is, what would be a good recipe to make around 300HP from a basicly stock 302? I do have a set of HO heads from a Mustang and the cam too(91 model HO)
I know the question/s are a little choped up, but please hlep anyway
Dan said, lots of $. Today, the cam makers offer special drop-in hydro roller lifters to match a steel roller cam. Last I looked, they were over $400 for a set of lifters. I wouldn't worry too much about using a flat tappet lifter in a mild cammed engine. Just be sure to re-lube the lifter faces with a good moly/ZDDP cam lube (tear off the intake on any engine that has sat for a long time, add one of the heavily ZDDP'ed engine oils (Shell Rotella, etc.), some G.M. Engine Oil Supplement. Be sure it starts up right away (timing, gas) and runs at a high rpm level for a good 20 minutes or so.
Hey Bob, thanks alot. I may just pull the intake and do that. I do know the engine builder well and he has an EXCELLENT rep for doing everything right. I have access to ZDDP oil additive and was already plannin on that. You guys just got me tore up thinkin about the lack of zinc in modern oils and such.