I picked up another '70 SF core and I wanted to use this core for my '72 build up. My lifter journals look a little thin on the right bank. The thinnest one is .112 on the bottom side nearest the crank. I'd like to run a TA 210s-HL cam but I concerned if the journals are too thin. Should I look to a lifter bore girdle? Or should I just get another block? I'm looking at about 11.0:1 w/converted stage 1 heads. Will this cam be too stout for these journals? What thickness should I look for in a good block and should I measure this on the top of the journal or bottom?
Jims? Anybody? Anybody ever broke a lifter bore? How much lift should I avoid and what is an acceptable thickness?o No:
Core Shift That's what it's called. I have seen busted out lifter galleries, but I haven't done it yet myself. I don't know if that cam will cause a problem, or if the shift you have is particularly bad. I'd PM Jim W. if he doesn't happen to catch this post and ask him.
I'm no expert on what is acceptable But it certainly is thinner from the core shift. TA has a brace to strengthen all the lifter bores, I think it is around $400. If I were using that block, i would buy one, or just find a new block without that much core shift. Unless you are going with stock type cam and don't plan on higher rev, you would be alright.
The only situations I have heard of with broken lifter bores is with either a large roller cam or a really large solid cam. Other than that, you will have no problems with that block. Jim Burek
That's why I suggested on a Pontiac board, when the subject of clean paper design of aluminum blocks came up, a removeable billit section for the lifters. Set in with dowel pins, and bolted to the block, stressed member, and strong as an ox/replaceable. There was "talk" of an aluminum block for Buick, lots of it, and with all the things I had questions of about it, I'll add this as yet another question, will it have a removeable lifter gallery? If not, give me a Burek, please. Also, something to think about when the next block comes along that needs lifter bore "sleeving", don't sleeve it. If one of my Buick/Rover aluminum blocks needs lifter bore work, I don't sleeve it, I borethe lifter bores to use a Ford lifter, .023 over, no sleeving. This of course, IF the block has strong enough lifter bores to do so, and stock big block Buicks always have lifter bore strength concerns from core shift issues.
Jim I plan on running something between the TA210s-HL and the 308s. I'm just not sure what is considered "too aggresive and too thin" in the journals. Several years back, I was told that you needed at least .250 thickness to run a roller. But I was never told what the minimum was for a solid. Do any of these cams pose a problem for these thin journals?
I would not worry about it. I have run bigger than the 308s on quite a few occasions with no problem. Jim Burek
