Rich;
A stock SBC does not use OEM oil restrictors. They are used only for
short-term use (i.e., drag racing) with mechanical roller cams & roller
rockers. The idea is to reduce the amount of oil to the top end and the
resulting drain back over the crank, rods, etc.
For most applications-- including rollers-- you do not want to restrict the
oil flow. Even roller setups need lots of oil, not to lubricate, but to cool
the valve springs. Restrict the oil to a roller motor and it's a killer in
endurance racing.
The subject is controversial, though-- this is my take on restricting oil
flow.
Regards, Neil Tucson, AZ
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-land-speed@autox.team.net
[mailto:owner-land-speed@autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Richard Kensicki
Sent: Thursday, February 05, 2004 8:09 PM
To: List Land Speed
Subject: Oil restrictors in a SBC, help
Anyone have an opinion on using oil restrictors for flow reduction? I've
pulled the motor out of the Vette I bought to get to the rear of the
block just to check this.
The engine is a race motor and ground down the the first 2 lobes on the
cam in a short period of time. This original cam was a solid lifter cam.
The second owner found the cam problem and replaced the cam with milder
hydraulic cams; twice; and suffered the same problem along with severely
worn lifters. He never checked for oil restrictors.
I know the theory of what the restrictors accomplish but does a stock
SBC have any type of restrictor plug? I'm replacing the cam with a solid
lifter cam with the original lift/duration. Should I keep the
restrictors I have? In the Stef's Fabrication catalog their restrictors
use an .060 hole to reduce flow by 70%. The ones I have have an .093
hole. Will this be OK?
Have more questions but will hold off until tomorrow.
RichK
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