Roller Cam

I'm installing a FMS x303 cam in my 72 model 302. Is there any modifications than need to be done to the block?
Also is their anyone out there who has a rust free hood? I sure need one.
Thanx Ray

 

you do know that you need roller lifters right?

 

disregard, was thinking of a diferant motor. my bad

 

I've never heard of that before. I did some research and the cam bearing are listed for 68-01 blocks and there is no distiction for roller/non-roller. I do know that for the old block you must use a reduced circle base cam or roller lifters with verticle bars. Because the lifter bore lug are shorter on the older blocks and could possably lose oil pressure.

 

as Thomas Hackmann says...there are no physical differences in the cam bearings whatsoever. Just got through installing a set in a '83 model block...same bearings I used in many other engines including some very early 289's, 351w, etc.

Only thing you'll have to worry about is that the lifter bores on the earlier blocks are shorter than the the later ones are. This lets the oil "band" on a hydraulic lifter come up out of the bore, which causes a loss of oil pressure. There are 2 options. A reduced base circle camshaft (which lets the lifter drop further down in the lifter bore) or go with the retro-fit hydraulic roller kit. Those kits use link bars similar to what's used on solid-roller lifters and they aren't cheap. But then again, neither is a small base circle camshaft.

 

cam bearings are the same. You will need retrofit hyd roller lifters crane makes a nice set and they are specific to this swap. they cost about 400.00 from jegs. Worth every cent not having to worry about cam breakin/ failure. Since you have the cam already no point in going for a reduced base circle cam. X cam is a nice cam. Outdated but still a strong performer. You should like it alot.....

 

Ditto, you'll need the Crane linkbar roller lifters, different pushrods and a steel cam gear on your distributor. Not a very cost effective way to go in cams, but as MAVOWAR stated, you won't have to worry about cam/lifter break-in failures.

 

Thanks guys for the information. I guess i won't be installing that cam after all. I have a comp cams 280h that i think will do just fine.
thanx ray