HotRodJackson

Just curious, but does anyone run roller bearings in the SBC 1, or know much about them? I know that's partially why older Indy engines rev so damn high, so I'm curious if anyone knows anything about SBC's using them. Anyone who does, I'd appreciate info on where, how, and how much, cause I think they'd be interesting to use, perhaps even in a 305 TPI, despite most think of them as crap, they're still a SBC

Travis&camaro

Neaver head of them in a sbc But reminds me of a 2 stroke dirt bik or snowmobile crank. You cand do rollor lifters and rockers and youll gain power.

HotRodJackson

In the old days, they used to used 255ci SBC's in Indy, with great results, revving over 10,000 RPM's. Besides allowing it to rev high as hell, it'd be more reliable and durable, and just plain kickass. Already got the factory hydraulic roller lifters, though when/if I modify the valvetrain, I plan on roller rockers(probably Harland Sharp), and Rhoades hydraulic roller lifters; they really tame big cams, to my understanding. Search their site for more info.

Sonix

iTrader: (1)

You can buy roller cam bearings, but I'm not sure roller rod/main bearings exist for the SBC (or it's a new one on me). I wouldn't think they could handle the loading.
Roller cam bearings - I don't know who actually makes those. Look into real hardcore drag racing companies for info on that.
Strange, since the cam rotates slower than the crank, i'd think there'd be even less use for it. Well, freeing up a smidge of HP due to bearing losses. And I guess since there is less load on the camshaft you can get away with it.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

I wouldn't bother with Rhodes. They're noisy, and don't make an appreciable difference. If you want it to rev, use a lifter rev kit.

I've never seen SBC roller rod bearings.

Since TPI doesn't support high-RPM operation, the issue is pretty much moot.

HotRodJackson

I know TPI doesn't rev very high, unmodified, that is. Even so, reduce friction, and it'll run very nice, and be more rev-happy, especially with other mods... Use lightweight retainers, beehive springs, lighter flexplate(if availible), perhaps lighter crank and rods... It'd all add up to higher rev potential, and rev quicker due to less friction and less mass; be easier on the valvetrain and reciprocating assembly too

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Synthetic oil will make more difference. Certainly a lot cheaper.

Sonix

iTrader: (1)

I think there's probably many reasons why you/we have never heard of roller rod/main bearings. There are lots of ways to get the engine to rev faster and higher though, and you're on the right track with valve train.
I think ditching the TPI is a good first step in the direction too

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Okay, for the sake of flame bait, here's how you build a high-reving TPI-based 5 liter SBC:

4" virgin bore roller block
3" stroke crank
2-piece rear main seal adapter
.030"-over 302 pistons
Aluminum rods
Fast Burn heads
Vortec Mini Ram or Stealth Ram
300ish advertised duration roller cam
Rev kit

Or, deviating slightly from TPI:
Start with an LT1, put in a mini-LT1 crank and 302 pistons, LT4 heads & intake, do the other go-fast stuff.

AlkyIROC

Cams can use roller bearings but the block also needs to be machined to use them. I can't say I've ever seen or heard of SBC or BBC having roller mains or rod bearings. Too much extra weight for the rods plus the rods and block webs would have to be machined for the bearings

With a pushrod engine, you're really limited to rpms. NASCAR pushes them to 9000 without roller bearings on the crank or rods. Not sure if they use roller bearings on the cam or not.

Roller bearings need a very high flow oiling system and is usually a dry sump system. Unlike normal engine bearings which produce oil pressure to float the rotating parts on oil, roller bearings can't create those kind of pressures.

Find a Shovel head Harley with an oil pressure gauge. A Harley uses roller bearings in the bottom end. At an idle, you're lucky to have more than 10 psi. Usually they have less than 5 psi. The oiling system however is still adequately oiling the bearings. Reving it up usually brings it up to around 30 psi.