I've just got some LT1 roller lifters and was wondering how I would go about putting the rollers to good use in my '87 TBI block? casting number is 10054727. I need the vortec's spider tray(drill and tap the three holes for it), LT1 camshaft, vortec or LT1 timing set, and do I need vortec or LT1 pushrods too? Thoughts? Maybe the vortec's cam instead?



Thanks!

 

I have some experience with a TBI and this GM cam number which worked very well.

#14097295

 

I cannt see the three pedastals you'd need to drill and tap in that picture. plus you'd also need a cam thrust plate that goes on the front of the camshaft under the timing cover with a roller setup which I dont know if the block is drilled for those either...???

 

Hmm undercover, I googled a picture of a vortec block and I saw the pedestals you mentioned. I didn't know there were pedestals..dang. hmm anyone know of some retro roller kits that aren't $400?

 

You could buy another engine for the price of retrofit lifters. Buy a used vortec engine. You could sell the heads and come out ahead. You would then not have to drill/tap anything. You would have all the parts you need as well.

 

I just finished up a L05 Vortec LT1 cam build. Vortec/LT1/TPI lifters, dogbones, spider, pushrods, etc should all be the same. I used the LT1 cam because it has a little more lift & duration than the Vortec cam. And I used a GMPP roller timing set that was cheap...like $50 from Summit and came with both size thrust plates.

I agree you should buy a roller-ready block to do it though. If you decide to stay flat tappet Comp does make some XE cams that have ramps rates similar to a factory roller.