I thought i'd ask here too since you guys are smart.

I have the chance to get an lt4 cam low miles pretty cheap. How could i use it in a non roller block. Are there after market retrofit roller lifters i could get? I assume i would need a retainer bearing and i think i also have to trim the dowel pin a bit.

Any advice would be great.

[edit]
I just found this


So with it i should be able to use the factory lifters, and just trim the dowel pin a bit.

 

I hate to be the bearer of bad news. You will have to use a roller lifter that is made to work in a non roller block or pre-87 block. Your block does not have the provisions for the lifter guide retainer. Look thru a Summit or Jegs catalog and you'll see the roller lifters that have the bar that keeps the roller from twisting in the lifter bore. These lifters I think come in pairs.

Steve

 

Those are for blocks that are roller cam ready. Basically they have a nice finished surface for those guide plates (for lifters, not conventional guide plates for the pushrods).
Look in a Jegs or Summit catalog for lifters for non-roller blocks. They're usually in the $200 + range just for the lifters, usually around 250, but it's worth it just for the added security and durability let alone performance. I wish I had a roller cam in my engine. I'm backwards...have a roller block but standard cam...oh well. I'll just use OEM lifters when I acquire a good roller cam.
edit: damn, you beat me too it steve...lol

 

JP, what are the specs on the cam that came in your 350HO engine?

Steve

 

i just realized i saw the word retro fit by the ford retainer i didnt read the gm one closely enough.
I guess i'll have to pass..i cant afford the cam and the springs and the lifters, special pushrods, guide plates..

Looks like it'll just be a flat tappet for me.

 

you can do the conversion, you just have to buyy teh retro fit lifters. they look a lot like teh paired solid roller lifters. tehy have a bar that holds them together in pairs. only prob is they are expensive as hell.

later
tim