I have the opportunity to pick up a 91 TBI 350 truck motor to replace my 305. Did those motors come with roller cams or were they flat tappets? If I do get it I plan on doing a rebuild with a few upgrades but want to start out with an engine that's already roller cam.

 

The blocks were usually drilled for roller, but they only put flat in them. You will just need the lifters and spider to finish the job, that can easily be picked up on Ebay

 

I think you also have to do a little machining in the lifter valley for the retainers and the spider, along with drilling and tapping the front cam retainer plate holes.

SOME truck engines came with roller. You won't know unless you open it up to look.

I would get the engine anyway, it's a good place to start and I would rather do a little work to make it a roller than have to buy roller retrofit stuff.

If you want to start with a for sure roller block, get an L31 Vortec truck engine from the junkyard. They are all roller.

 

like said above, some were drilled for roller, some not. Being a 91, better chance of it being drilled and tapped for a roller.

Just put the stock cam from my 96 TA in my friends 91 LO5 1500. Just needed spider, lifters, lifter retainers, pushrods, roller cam, and cam retainer to convert to roller. only problem is the cam retainer wasn't lining up too well with the holes and we had to machine it a little. The holes were all ready there and tapped for it, just off a little.

If the motor is low mileage and in running condition, go for it.

 

Well the motor has 61k miles and he says it's complete with all accessories and computer minus distributor for $500.

 

That's a good deal, if it is what is claimed to be - caveat emptor ! A dizzy can be had for $40 from JY.


//RF

 

You can always use your old distributor!!