i have recently bought a 350 block, how do i find out what kind of block it is. a roller block or something else. i want to make it a roller block. i know its a block from the 60's i think. if its not a roller block is there a way to make it a roller.

 

Factory roller blocks didn't appear until 1987, so if it's from the 60s then it's not a roller block. You'll need a normal retrofit roller cam and lifters, not an OEM roller cam and lifter setup. It would be cheaper to put a regular flat-tappet cam in.

 

how much do the retro kits normally go for.

 

Lifters http://store.summitracing.com/partde...CCA%2D853%2D16

A cam (typical) http://store.summitracing.com/partde...2D12%2D432%2D8

A timing set http://store.summitracing.com/partde...art=CCA%2D3100

A cam button http://store.summitracing.com/partde...part=CCA%2D200

And you're there. Plus of course, the matching valve springs, preferably guide plates, some good rockers such as these, some push rods such as these.

 

Also a nice timing cover that has some strength to it. Not the cheap chrome tin thickness ones on ebay. You need a strong cover due to the fact the cam button will be the wedge between the camshaft and cover keeping the camshaft from walking forward. I've also seen some water pumps that allowed the use of a center stud for additional support on the cover face.

 

on the back of the block on the drivers side looking down theres a casting number. look it up on this page:

http://www.mortec.com/castnum.htm


see what ya got

 

thanks for the info guys. the numbers on the block are 3970014 which means that it was made between 70-76. its a 4 bolt to. but i have been doing some thinking and searching on buying a crate motor or a used motor from tacreationusa. since there like right done the road from me.