Since I'm up to my ass in detours of screwed up parts I'm double checking

[Qikbbstang]

I have an approx. ten year old never run Crane Hyd Roller. I have a NOS vintage roller thrust plate from PBF that I was under the impression I didn't need to run (requires machining the timing gear to install I believe) but now I'm told I may need a bronze thrust plate or roller and that the factory cast iron plates are not going to work/last with the Crane steel roller cam. I just don't want any more friggen surprises.
 
     

[WConley]

BB -

The basic rule of thumb is that cast iron and steel do not like to run against each other.  The iron loses that fight and sends little bits of itself throughout your engine.  The stock thrust plate was designed for the stock iron flat-tappet cam, so changing the stick to a steel roller changes everything.

I would recommend machining the cam gear for your roller setup.  The bronze thrust plate may work, but it will wear over time.  With the roller you can fuggetabouttit.

- Bill

[blykins]

There are steel thrust plates out there.  I'm not a fan of roller bearings on the cam gear, but hey, if someone else is doing the assembly, sounds good to me. 

Barry uses a lot of the bronze thrust plates if I remember right.  Maybe he'll chime in.  I use both steel and cast iron and to be honest, I've never seen an issue with running a steel cam with a cast iron plate as long as there is adequate oiling there.  I suppose if you wanted to be politically correct, you'd run a steel cam, with a billet steel timing set, and a steel thrust plate.

[fekbmax]

Be sure you don't run to much camshaft end play with the roller thrust bearings. Especially on a street or higher mileage build. Just a small amount of to much end play will beat the hell out of the rollers causing them to come apart.
JMO.

[blykins]

That's why I don't use them.  Just have never had a warm and fuzzy feeling about setting cam end play up to zero. 

[Qikbbstang]

Bill LOL I like the logic of your bronze thrust plate may work, but it will wear over time.  With the roller you can fuggetabouttit......... Brings into perspective the classic: When you're up to your ass in alligators It's difficult to remind yourself that your original objective was to drain the swamp.  Right now I'd just be happy to get my 427 together and the fuggetaboutit  (runs forever) seems like a fantasy.
Just put my hand on my roller thrust plate kit w/two pages of directions and yes they machine on cam gear a new depth of the step to .400" plus or minus .002" and a reduced OD of the step to 1.745" to 1.750". I can't believe the mfg does not include shims nor even mention them but I suppose when you're splitting a couple thousandths a common round shim is hard to find. I get the feeling they expect you to machine the gear after trial assemblies........... The measure twice machine once trick!