I've been told the block must be machined to accept a roller cam. Out of curiosity what would have to be done for a block to accept a roller cam?

i have never had to have any machine work for a roller, so not sure what you were told-on a 502 block, to use aftermarket rollers, they needed to be machined so that the hort bars didnt hit the lifter bosses, but they were working on lifters to avoid that-i have seen some HUGE cams have the cam bearing area bored out for the lobes, and larger bearings installed, maybe thats what they were talking about-maybe someone can chim in with more

I run a Herbert roller in my 350 with no machining, what engine do you have ?
Bill

Big block 402

I installed a roller in my Buddys 396 with no machining at all, what are the cam specs?

Well right now I have a flat tappet hydraulic cam (Comp XE284) but I was thinking about taking it out and going with a roller cam.

The reason why I didn't go roller to begin with was when I was building this engine (I was new) someone had told me in order to put a roller cam in it the machine shop had to do some modification to the block.....so naturally I bought it and went with a flat tappet cam. I already had the block back from the shop and didn't want to send it back for the supposed machining needed to accept a roller cam.

Aside from making more power one of the good things I've heard about roller cams is there's no need to break them in....unlike flat tappet cams. You fellas suppose this would help cut down on the "eaten cam syndrome" most of these new builds seem to have? (yeah I know a proper break-in on a flat tappet is cruicial ;-))

Thats exactly why we installed the roller in my Buddys 396 this was cam #3 and we worn 2 out before, we even tryed installing the springs without the damper spring in them, no luck! the roller cam has been in over 5yrs and mine has been in for 3, I would have nothing else, I like doug herbert roller cams because they have milder grinds and a larger rpm range than other cams, also there tech support is great! They will sell you the entire kit cam is 199 and the kit is additional 599.
Hope this helps.
Bill

Sounds awesome. How do I go abouts getting a Doug Herbert cam?

I have heard of one person with a Chet Herbert cam...any relationship?

He is in Lincolnton NC just outside of Charlotte, www.DougHerbert.com 1.800.444.7373 and yes Chet is his father.