One of the guys on the stroker list managed to modify the link on some roller lifters (probably Chrysler LA) enough to fish them in from the top. The problem for them is the cam blanks -- they have to be special made to withstand roller pressure (hardened). Last I heard some were trying to get an order up for a dozen custom made cams... I'd not mess with the side if possible, but open the top up a bit. Would be a bit tougher for a factory worker to fish them in that way, but doable, and there might be an easier way, like making a custom lifter and machining a slot in the lifter bore (or a pin) to keep it from turning, or even a screw down plate which could be installed in the bottom before the cam was inserted or from the top. Lots of options (including opening the side as you suggested) when you can have the block design changed! One reason they left the side of the block solid was one less place for oil leaks. ------------ Date: Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:49:22 -0400 (EDT) From: adh@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Sandwich Maker) " I have to disagree on the engine Andrew. It wouldn't be hard to " retrofit the 4.0L with roller lifters, not when the main casting " could be easily changed. The only problem now is getting the " lifters not to rotate. If I had access to the engineering " department I think I could come up with a cost effective way to " do it! Retrofitting an existing casting is a different story, " though it has been done. Need to modify a lifter and cross bar, " but if I had resources to manufacture my own lifters... the block could take a lot of work to get access to the lifters in the gallery, but if they did that i'd've designed it to use la rollers and retain them a similar way. but first i'd want to do a stress analysis on the outer wall of the lifter gallery and see what if any stresses it carries in the engine, or if it's essentially just a protective cover, before i went making holes in it. -- Frank Swygert Publisher, "American Motors Cars" Magazine (AMC) For all AMC enthusiasts http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html (free download available!) _______________________________________________ Amc-list mailing list Amc-list@xxxxxxxxxxxx http://splatter.wps.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/amc-list