The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > General Truck Forums > Engine & Drivetrain

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 12-12-2024, 12:46 PM   #1
cag
Registered User
 
Join Date: Aug 2022
Location: winneconne, wisco
Posts: 53
350 roller cam engine, what yrs???

new to this small block stuff, what yrs had a roller cam, and what is the deal with the vortec heads?

thanks!!
cag is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-12-2024, 01:23 PM   #2
Accelo
Senior Member
 
Accelo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: washington
Posts: 2,295
Re: 350 roller cam engine, what yrs???

GM first began installing roller cams in some Chevrolet small-block, V8-equipped cars in 1987. But OE roller-cam installations in trucks didn't occur until 1995.
Vortec heads caused a huge jump in airflow and swirl, bumping the HP significantly. Vortec heads also require a matching intake manifold to work correctly.

If I were sourcing an engine, the later, the better. You will get a better-sealed engine with a one-piece rear main seal and center-hung valve covers that don't leak. You will also get higher-flowing heads and a roller cam. Old is for restorations, in my humble opinion.
Accelo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-12-2024, 05:05 PM   #3
Tom
driving is in my blood
 
Tom's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Mesa AZ
Posts: 5,748
Re: 350 roller cam engine, what yrs???

Quote:
Originally Posted by Accelo View Post
center-hung valve covers that don't leak.
Nope, and yet they are always covered in oil and dirt.....
__________________
-78 c10 short/step: 388cid, M20, 5/5 drop, lots more. Playtoy and first vehicle.
-98 c1500 x-cab: 5.7L, 17" rims, 5/6 drop, flowmaster, helper bags,NBS rear disk brakes.
-02 Suburban 4x4: leveled front
-CBR600F4i, CBR600RR, CBR1000RR, and standup skis
DISCLAIMER: I cant spell for the life of me.
Tom is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-12-2024, 05:26 PM   #4
Willshook
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Chehalis, WA
Posts: 73
Re: 350 roller cam engine, what yrs???

A few additional comments.

Most late model GEN I roller cam blocks don't have the hole for a mechanical fuel pump pushrod, requiring either an electric pump or a machine shop with the correct jig to drill, ream, and hone it.

Vortec heads are great, but stock they are lift-limited to about .460 or so. This is easily addressed with some machine work and/or valve spring replacement and honestly there's not a ton of flow with more lift. Aftermarket versions that aren't lift-limited are readily available.

Keep in mind the intake is different.

You probably know all this, but better to find out before you start bolting stuff together...
Willshook is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-13-2024, 03:45 PM   #5
Dead Parrot
Registered User
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Posts: 2,611
Re: 350 roller cam engine, what yrs???

SBCs are wonderful for being fairly compatible parts wise over the entire lifespan. Vortec heads will happily fit on a block of the 60's assuming bore sizes match. HEI dizzy in a engine that came original with points. Late model serpentine belts setup on early model engines. Or vice-versa if desired.

You need to double check details like Willshook mentioned about the fuel pump pushrod but generally the parts play well together.
Dead Parrot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-15-2024, 10:17 PM   #6
truckster
Senior Member
 
truckster's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Orem, Utah
Posts: 7,976
Re: 350 roller cam engine, what yrs???

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dead Parrot View Post
SBCs are wonderful for being fairly compatible parts wise over the entire lifespan. Vortec heads will happily fit on a block of the 60's assuming bore sizes match. HEI dizzy in a engine that came original with points. Late model serpentine belts setup on early model engines. Or vice-versa if desired.

You need to double check details like Willshook mentioned about the fuel pump pushrod but generally the parts play well together.
True, but none of that gives you a roller cam. I highly recommend the L31 block (casting number ends with 880). You get the roller cam and one-piece rear main seal. If you get one out of a used truck look for one with a block-off plate for the fuel pump - that signals that it's bored for a mechanical fuel pump rod. However, the cam may not have a fuel pump lobe. I got mine from a 98 1 ton and put a HT383 cam in it when I rebuilt it. That cam does have the fuel pump lobe.
__________________
I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson
truckster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-16-2024, 08:41 AM   #7
cag
Registered User
 
Join Date: Aug 2022
Location: winneconne, wisco
Posts: 53
Re: 350 roller cam engine, what yrs???

Thanks for the help! i will look for the L31, swap the cam and intake and see what it does!
cag is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:27 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com