hi guys, i just found a great deal on a shortblock , but it is an older 2 piece non-roller block. how could i make this work with a tpi setup and an lt4 hot cam? i've heard about some roller retro-fit kits or something, but i have no idea what they are or how much they cost. if this is the solution is there anything else i'd need to do to use a roller cam and lifter setup?

 

A factory style roller cam wont work in a pre-87 block no matter what you do. You'd need to use a different cam and retainer setup thats designed for the older engines. Other than that, no issues with the block itself. The heads are an issue with the TPI if the intake is the 87-up bolt pattern and the heads are not, but thats fixable with a drill and patience.

 

madmax, they make retro fit rollers that allow you to use hyd. roller cams in old style blocks. Although not cheap, they do make them and have been around for some time i believe.

 

Ummm...Madmax stated that....just read a bit more carefully...

I am using my 406 with TPI and it is fine...remember, it is just an induction difference. I am currently using the whole 400 longblock and it has been fine.

I would consider keeping the hydraulic flat tappet cam setup...why? Cause it will work well and it's cheap. Just make sure you get a cam with a good LSA, like 112-114 for idle and ECM response.

Good luck

 

Oops, my fault. I thought he was saying it wasn't possible.

"A factory style roller cam wont work in a pre-87 block no matter what you do"

So I assumed anything, as in not even with retrofit rollers.

 

I'm 99.9% sure a factory roller cam will not work in an older block with retrofit lifters either. Reason? The cam retainer plate used on the factory roller setup. I really have to go look and verify, but it seems to me the cam sticks out of the block on a roller setup and doesnt on a non roller setup. I think I have an old non-roller laying around, and I know I have an old factory roller cam and block.

 

Hey Ions91Z28, no problem...

I don't want people to think Madmax is paying me to agree with him or anything...

And Madmax, you are right...I forget why exactly, but I believe that factory roller cams are indeed too long. I know that when I have researched it for my 406, I came to the conclusion that I would need a retrofit roller cam, a cam button and retrofit lifters to make it work....then measure the geometry for correct length pushrods.

 

thanks for the help buys.....so if i have to should i just run the tpi setup with the nonroller lifters and it will be ok? as long as the heads and intake match up...i'm just wondering becuz i have been finding some great deals on some older 2 pc. shortblocks. thanks

 

My 406 is doing just fine...Remember that TPI in 85 and 86 had hydraulic cams, not roller and ran just fine...Like I said, make sure you have a higher LSA 112-114 for a good idle and vacuum for the computer...it helps.

If you are going to tune your own anyway...you can go with a different cam. Just do your research...an excellent place to start are the Comp cams for computer controlled vehicles, non-roller.

Good luck.

 

you're absolutely right on that, never thought about the 85-86s...this is looking better already. yeah i'm probably going to have a custom cam ground if i go that route, thanks

 

If you have a custom cam ground, I know the place to talk to...a guy who worked for Doug Rippie Motorsports here in MN recently started his own shop and has some fascinating ideas for a custom cam...I am seriously considering buying one from him...

Basically the TPI is induction limited due to the long runner design. His experience has been to have a cam with more intake duration than exhaust, speaking specifically of using good flowing heads....

Example...carb cam has 224 intake and 230 exhaust duration at .500 lift...he says something like 232 intake duration and 228 exhaust duration would be a much better deal. At least for my 406 on the street anyway...

You get the idea...one has to compensate for the time it takes the air to move through longer runners.

I have no other affiliation than he is working on a set of heads for me right now...shop is Hi-Tech in Ramsey, MN - phone is (763) 712-9088 and ask for Brian...he is shop owner. Custom cam runs about $250, but his experience is invaluable...he also works with 5.0 guys and has had good experience there too.

Good luck

 

sounds great.....reasonable price too...seems like he knows his stuff, get some info on him for us. i'm sure others are interested. tahnks!

 

Well, you have most of the info that I have on him...now anyway.

He was the chief head guy for Rippie before he left and Rippie has been a Vette tuner since the TPI Vettes...They were able to get 475 HP out of a modified TPI setup with the right cam and tuning...and aluminum Vette heads....well ported of course...

I have been to his shop and it has about 10 bays for cars and a decent shop...he is well set-up.

Give him a call and see for yourself...

Good luck,

 

wow, that's amazing for tpi. 475 is a lot for a tpi engine.