Roller cam in a 289 block - Ford Muscle Forums : Ford Muscle Cars Tech Forum

foleysfriend · 03-22-2008, 07:32 AM

I have a 289 block that I want to convert to a roller cam . I had previously put a post asking about the pro's and con's about the small base circle cams that one has to use to do the conversion. Now would do they make link bar lifters to go with the standard roller cam that fit's the 289 or should I just find myself a 302 roller block or order one from Dart. The 289 has not been bored out and I really just want to get a better block in my car since the original 289 has been taken to 60 over and the car is running a bit hot .

Thanks
Greg

woody1 · 03-22-2008, 08:54 AM

The 289 is no different than the 302, use an 8931-16 comp link bar lifter and any standard base circle cam you wish to use

foleysfriend · 03-22-2008, 02:10 PM

Thanks for the reply, I wasn't sure if the 289 lifter bores were as tall as the 302 roller block and would not accept the link bar roller lifter.

Greg

Spali32 · 03-22-2008, 02:18 PM

You put a roller in there, that baby's going to sing. Can't beat a roller, it's the way to go if you have the money to upgrade.

Chris_Curl · 03-22-2008, 08:17 PM

yep, link bar lifters. they are expensive tho

tmeyer · 03-22-2008, 08:38 PM

You can just install the Comp re-tro kit and use the 5.0 lifters.

We have sold this kit to people who change over their 351C 400's

pretty simple and for about $400 you can get cam,lifters and re-tro kit

foleysfriend · 03-23-2008, 06:46 AM

Checked the price on the link-bar style lifters and they are $586.00, WOW!
So what I understand is the retro roller kit uses the smaller base circle cam with the regular bog bone and spider set up and the link-bar can utilize the regular 5.0 cams. There would be a number of cam choices with the use of the link-bar, but as mentioned the cost difference is apparent.

Thanks
Greg

woody1 · 03-23-2008, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foleysfriend

Checked the price on the link-bar style lifters and they are $586.00, WOW!
So what I understand is the retro roller kit uses the smaller base circle cam with the regular bog bone and spider set up and the link-bar can utilize the regular 5.0 cams. There would be a number of cam choices with the use of the link-bar, but as mentioned the cost difference is apparent.

Thanks
Greg

Using a small base cam is NEVER good. The 8931's can be had for 499.00 then your not tied to using junk small core cams, of which the selection is miniscule compared to regular base cam cores. Thats just me though

pbrown · 03-23-2008, 09:53 PM

Get some link bar lifters. Yes they are pricey but you'll forget all about that once you fire it up

.

BrianS · 03-23-2008, 10:29 PM

How do you know for sure if you are ordering, or already have a small base circle cam? I remember T.M. mentioning the 351M/400 does not require an SBC cam when using OE HR lifters.

iwantmore · 03-24-2008, 05:32 PM

It is already 0.60 over so give it up. 289's have a lot more metal in them than new 302's but there are millions of roller cam 302 blocks out there. I see decent short blocks all the time for $50 to $150. But one.

foleysfriend · 03-24-2008, 08:35 PM

I have a 289 block that has not been rebuilt and you are right about the 302 roller blocks , I found a bone yard and the going price for a used roller short block is $150.00.Thats not bad considering considering I had just paid $100.00 for 289 con rods to go with the 289 block.

Greg