Going to basics here... Just curious: If your 350 ci sbc v8 has center bolt valve cover heads, does this mean it is at least an '87 block and also does this mean that block has roller-cam? Do blocks that originally have center-bolt heads only cut to use those types of heads or can any sbc block use any type of head? Just curious. Also, if the distributer gear was missing teeth, what would be the symptoms?? One last thing as well, if you slap cylinder heads with self-aligning rocker-arms on an older 350 with flat tappet cam would this make any difference at all (will it run at least regularly)? Thankyou all very much in advance.

F-Messenger

 

I'm going to say ... Yes. At least for thirdgens anyway.

This is a guess ... from what I've seen so far.

 

If you have centerbolt heads, can't you switch everthing to perimeter style by changing heads and the intake manifold? Or is the engine block itself actually different?

 

87-up "centerbolt style" heads can be used on any small block prior to the LT1. So just by looking at an engine and seeing centerbolt heads does't guarantee the block is a roller block. In a stock fbody it will be a roller block if you see centerbolt heads on it. Assuming the fbody is 87 or newer. Any SBC can use any SBC head (centerbolt or not) except LT1 heads.

So to conclude, anybody can slap centerbolt heads on a NON-roller block, so just by looking at the valve covers you can't really tell. If it's in a stock fbody though then yes it's roller block.

Stripped gear can mean a regular iron gear was used with a roller cam which requires a bronze gear... the oil pump was seized up or simply lack of lubrication.

As far as self aligning rocker arms.. yes you can put a set of heads with self aligning arms on a non roller block with a flat tappet cam.

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92 Z28 5.7
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Trick Flow 23° heads, Comp Cams XR270HR-10 cam, Accel intake base + ported TPI,
TES headers, Flowmaster catback, MSD ignition, #24 SVO injectors, 1LE aluminum driveshaft.

Click here to see pics of my car !

 

ding ding ding...we have a winner...and nice car Synergy

 

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