I am building a 350 to put in my 1988 Trans am. I am looking for a 4 bolt main block that is a 1987 or newer block so I can use the hydraulic roller lifters in it. I was reading up on intake manifolds and some of the intakes for sale said they were made for 1986 cast iron heads or older and 1955-86 Chevy small blocks. I am looking for alluminum heads to put on my 350 block and I came up with a few questions. If I buy a 1987 or newer block and after market alluminum heads will the intakes that say they are made for 1986 or newer cast iron heads work? I know it sounds a little confusing but does anyone understand my question? Thanks for the help.

 

Either type of heads will bolt up to either type of block.

The intake needs to match the type of heads.

 

As far as the intake goes, the only difference between the 2 are the pre-86 intakes (and heads, for that matter) are all 90° mounting bolt holes. The 87-up heads/intakes have a slight variation. The center 2 bolts on each side are angled at 72° rather than the standard 90°. Other than that, there is no difference in port matching, etc. With an electric drill you can "massage" these 2 center bolts on a pre-86 intake so it will match the 87-up bolt pattern. Not too tricky.

 

Thanks for the Help