NorthernMainer

So I want to run a roller cam in my 455, but I remember when building small block Chevys that to run a roller cam you needed to run a brass (I think, correct me if I'm wrong) distributor gear. Is that also the case if I put one in my BBO? I've heard those brass distributor gears don't last long at all.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

droptopron

Check with the cam manufacturer but to the best of my knowledge roller cams need a brass dist gear. Maybe look at a hydraulic roller

NorthernMainer

Will do, do the hydraulic rollers not need the gear?

cutlassefi

Depends on the core being used. Both Comp and Lunati use the same core, they don't need a bronze gear but they do need a melonized one. They're only about $45.00 and will last a very long time. Let me know if I can help on the cam.

NorthernMainer

Well I do need to decide on a cam. The heads are E code either 77 or 80cc (never been milled down), and I would like to run flat top pistons as long as it doesn't bump the compression too high. Just a good street cam.

I was looking at this, but it's designed for 9.0:1 CR.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/h...ake/oldsmobile

cutlassefi

That cam is a bit large even for a 455 with 9.0:1. And that's a 4/7 swap all steel core. You'll need to run a bronze gear on that.
And your heads will be closer to 82-84cc's after a typical valve job. Lots of piston options for that combo.

NorthernMainer

Well I'll wait until my machinist calls to say what it needs to be bored out to. One cylinder had some small pitting. Id like to stay in the 9's and no higher than 10 for CR. I'll run a flat tappet if I have to, I'd just like to be able to run any kind of oil.

I was told I should get a hold of Dick Miller racing, by a good friend of his, explain my situation, and see what he recommends for pistons, cam etc.

My442

A couple of things that I learned:

1. A "big" cam makes power in the upper RPM range

2. A "big" cam has a rough idle

3. A "big" cam has lower idle vacuum

So if you are building a street car, you want a cam that has the opposite of what I posted above. Nothing worse than a radical car that you try to drive on the street. It gets old really quick.

I built a Chevelle SS with a full boogie 454.....radical everything. The car was really fast, but it sucked just cruising around. Never do that again.

NorthernMainer

Well lets say I go with a flat tappet. What would you recommend?

cutlassefi

Hold on here guys. Roller or flat tappet is irrelevant. You can go too big or too small on either one.
And i get the Dick Miller recommendation. But hopefully your buddy can swing a discount for you as well. He's more expensive than most.

76olds

I and many here on Classic Olds WOULD RECOMMEND Mark (Cutlassefi) who is giving you some advice on your questions and your friends cam choices.
You will be much more satisfied if you work with Mark.
( Mark your not a very good salesman LOL) Sell him a cam and get another happy customer here Damit !!!
Cheers
Eric

NorthernMainer

Well I think I was referred to him just for advice, but if you guys could help me that would be great. I'm not building a race engine, just a street setup that I will daily drive during the summer. I would like to break 400hp.

Troys Toy 70

Mark has my vote, go to most of the 455 builds under the engine section. You will see why.

76olds

Talk to Mark, He can hook you up with everything you need. As Troy mentioned have a look at most of the engine builds on the site, Mark has his name on them.
From supply guys with awesome cams, pistons to complete rebuilds.
Mark isn't a salesman LOL, but a heluva great guy that knows how to build Olds engines properly!!
All the best with your build.
Cheers
Eric

Troys Toy 70

x2!!

jensenracing77

X3 above. Mark aka cutlassefi