Author Topic: Advice please (Read 2556 times)

Tim175 · « **on:** August 20, 2009, 08:24:38 PM »

im rebuilding my 351c and im putting in a roller cam, can i re-use the old push rods and rocker arms with the new cam? if not any recommendations on what to get? Thanks

Jeff73Mach1 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 20, 2009, 09:27:34 PM »

I don't know, but since you are reducing the friction at the cam, why not go with roller rockers while you are at it and really slick it up?

I'm probably looking at a rebuild of my 351C in the next year or two and would enjoy hearing what you are using parts wise.

I always enjoyed turning wrenches when I have time. Seems that is in short supply these days.

Are you adding restrictors to the oiling system or planning to run an external line to the rear? I did find a neat trick of installing the cam bearings upside down so that the oling hole isn't lined up and then drilling a smaller oiling hole instead of adding the restrictors. Sounded like a good idea and cheap LOL

Tim175 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 20, 2009, 09:37:08 PM »

I thought about that but im just trying to spend as little as possible so i can really make the body nice too. But i think i might just go with the roller rockers. i havent really thought about that part yet haha im not sure ill have to see when the time comes

Jeff73Mach1 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 20, 2009, 09:44:38 PM »

If you haven't committed to the roller cam, might I suggest you look at keeping the hydraulic flat tappet style cam and save some money to put into other areas? Roller cams are nice, but they don't add horsepower like better heads and they don't add longevity like forged or hypereuteric pistons and having the rods shotpeened.

Converting to roller lifters seems way out of proportion cost wise to the performance improvement you get.

Closed chmber heads on the other hand . . .

Just a thought

Tim175 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 20, 2009, 09:49:06 PM »

The only few reasons that i considered the roller cam was because i was told that they dont wear out as fast, and that they are better at higher RPMs and seeing as i plan to race the car occasionally i would need that. And as for the heads i considered that but seeing as the average set sells for almost 1k and im on a budget i dont know if i could do that. Also the cleveland heads are almost as good as modern aluminum heads when rebuilt right and cleaned up.

Jeff73Mach1 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 20, 2009, 09:57:19 PM »

my old worn out engine will still pull well past 6300 rpm with the points, stock exhaust manifolds and a hydraulic cam. If fresh I am sure it would turn 6500 and with electronic ignition, I'd bet on another 250 rpm with little effort in tuning.

Assuming you have to rebuild your heads, get premium valve springs to eliminate valve float and you will see more bang for your buck than with a lot of other modifications.

4v quench chamber head cores will set you back $400, but if you have open chambers, they are more prone to detonation even with lower compression. Iron heads are just as good as Aluminum, maybe better in a lot of ways.

Too bad Ford didn't build these engines in the US for 25 years so that there would have been more refinements.

Research the oiling system modifications available, if you are going to run it hard at times, keeping the mains lubricated might not be a bad idea