i just recently had my 87 l98 engine die on me. i have found a new unassembled engine for an amazing low price all machine work etc done to the block. so it jus needs to be assembled.
now its an older block. 4 bolt main 350. from what i have been told on other sites etc is to use my tpi i have to use the l98 heads. and i am also under the impression i have to use a certain cam with the tpi. so since im tryin to do this on a super budget and with what i already have. i was told i cannot use the cam out of the l98. why exactly is this and is there a particular cam someone can point out to me that will work? if u point out a cam to me please be specific so i can look into that exact cam because i have no clue when it comes to cams. thanks

 

the reason is most likely because the L98 cam is a Roller, instead of using hydraulic flat tappet lifters, it uses hydraulic roller lifters, which will not work becuz the older style block did not come set-up to use a roller cam.
A roller cam uses little rollers that are basically wheels on the end of the lifters, they allow for more lift at less duration, have less friction, and will generally give you 15hp over a similar flat tappet cam.

They do make retrofit kits that will allow you to put a roller cam in a non roller block, but it will be around 300$$ plus the cam, you do not want to re-use your old cam, so get a new one.

Idont see why you cant use a regular flat tappet with the L98, just dont get to big and you shouldnt have any problems.
go with the summit cam which is 204&214@.050 W/.422&.444 lift, it should work with little to no ECM problems.

 

ill have to check that cam out.


im majorly poor at this junction and i cant afford to do anything much with it. and i was surrpised i found a friend with a 350 for 50 bux jus needing to be assembled. and from what i understand the 4 bolt main is a ****load better than the 2 bolt thats currently in the car now.