Engine blocks are made in different shapes and sizes with different components depending on what type of performance is desired. Roller engine blocks include roller lifts, part of the camshaft mechanism that raise the cam's pushrod to open engine cylinder valves.
Roller engine blocks have rocker arms and lifters in the shape of cylinders. These are placed on the top of the camshaft and they serve to get the arm and the push rod moving. The rocker arm is a lever with a pivot that carries movement from the push rod to open and close valves.
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Camshafts in roller block engines have a bearing placed at the bottom of the lifter. This brings wear and tear on the engine down through reduction of friction, and therefore, heat. This setup also allows the motor to reach higher rpm more quickly than non-roller cams.
Roller block engines and their corresponding camshafts are usually seen in high-performance engines. As a result, they are made of superior materials that cost more and are stronger than regular components. These materials include billet steel rather than cast-iron and other high quality steel for the valve springs.
