Just scored an awesome deal on a mint roller cam, retro lifters, push rods and cam button for my BBC. My question is how do you correctly set up the button for the right distance. Seems like stock and different aftermarket TC covers would have slightly different depths so there can't be a universal button. Help setting up would be great!!!

What block (Mark-Gen.?) :confused:
Who's cam and what do they recommend :confused:

BBC's "Mark" blocks have drilled and tapped Thrust Plate system for use with HD gear-driven/marine-RR engines.
Gen. BBC's have a roller cam trush provision.
So if using a cam compatable with the thrust plate system you don't 'need' a thrust button as the plate does this job.

Many manufactures, like Comp, have a design that is furnished with their install kit (or at times sold seperately) for their cam if using a button for retention.
The 'kit' will often contain more than one type/thickness depending on application.
Some will referrence a button supplied by another company.

Buttons come in different sizes and materials depending on load and parts set-up.

Some cams 'walk' more than others and things like Oil Pump type and distributor drive can increase the button loading to the point a common Timing Cover will flex enough to require and additional brace on the back of the water pump also to prevent cover flex/failure.

You need to evaluate your set-up and needs to determine what you have to do ...

several different opinions on this--i recommend using an aftermarket timing cover that is stronger-i also prefer nylon cam button -not the roller bearing type-that can waist a motor--also prefer thrust washer--.03-.07 distance between cover and button---you can trim the back side of a nylon button to get this tolerence

machine work may be needed to use wear plate in some cases

Thanks guys. I finally found the part in the instructions that deal with this. Definately different than a FT cam. I will need as it is a good idea to get away from the stock covers since they flex. I will need to either get an aluminum timing cover with an access hole or make my own with a pipe plug so I can get a dial indicator on the nose of the cam to check for end play. I did see those nylon button too. Certainly is no bearings to dispurse through your motor should they fail.

It's a '73 454 Mark lV