Small block Chevy roller lifters

terryjm1 · February 16, 2020, 05:59:34 AM

Has anyone tried to use small block Chevy roller lifters and push rods in a Rover V8? There was a discussion of this on the TR7/8 mailing list recently.

BlownMGB-V8 · February 16, 2020, 11:50:19 AM

You have to watch the oil bypass band location, as it can come out of the bore at full lift. TA makes roller lifters for the SBB that are a correct fit.

JIm

Blown v8 · February 16, 2020, 03:02:33 PM

I have TA roller lifters in mine, fit and forget

joe_padavano · February 17, 2020, 10:32:39 AM

Why wouldn't you just use Buick V6 roller lifters, which do have the oil band in the right location?

BlownMGB-V8 · February 17, 2020, 12:21:29 PM

That's been done. But if I remember right, don't those use a tray in the lifter valley to hold them straight? Which means of course that you would have to cut and splice two trays for the V8. I think the TA lifters are set up as linked pairs which eliminates that requirement. But I'm just going from memory here and I could be wrong.

Anyway consider this. GM's suppliers are not making more and better parts for the SBB, which includes the Rover V8 but TA is, has been, and will continue to do so as that is their business model. With that in mind it doesn't hurt any (or very little) to subsidize them when you can. Is GM ever going to come out with a new and improved head for the BOPR? No, but TA did. A neoprene or silicone crankshaft seal? Even perhaps a one piece rear main seal? (That actually is in the works and has been tested on the BBB) Roller cams? That list just goes on and on. ALL of their product line is dedicated to the Buick V8 and V6, that includes the Rover, and their product line is becoming pretty complete. So when it comes to some of these specialty items I'm inclined to go with them because they build engines for customers also, using these items. I talked to Mike Jr a week or so ago and he was building a 300/350 stroker for a customer, which gave us a good bit to discuss.

Jim

joe_padavano · February 18, 2020, 09:07:35 AM

Stock Chevy roller lifters also use a spider in the valley. Many vendors sell aftermarket roller lifters that do not use the spider.

MGBV8 · February 18, 2020, 12:21:49 PM

Are y'all talking hydraulic or solid roller lifters? And, what roller cam are you using?

BlownMGB-V8 · February 18, 2020, 12:40:26 PM

I'm considering a roller cam, one may be hydraulic and the other a solid but I haven't decided yet. TA has several grinds available. It's also possible to use a hydraulic grind with solid lifters. Makes for a gentler up ramp and changes the characteristics a bit.

Jim