I have noticed that my 88-92 TPI engines have a blockoff plate where the mechanical fuel pump would normally go on the block. If I converted to a carb setup can I just install a fuel pump pushrod and a standard small block chevy fuel pump? Do I need a bronze tipped or special pushrod with the later roller engines (what year did chevy switch to rollers anyway?)

Rollers started in 86. The factory cam might not have the fuel pump lobe on it.

asfaik, roller started in 87 and the blocks and cams have provisions for mech fuel pump.

great, thanks for the help!

The earlier of the 82-92 blocks came with a blockoff. With the later blocks, you could not even bolt up a mechanical fuel pump if you wanted to. The mounting pad is there, but its not machined with the proper holes.

This is true,SOMETIMES.My 96 pickup has no hole or lobe on the camshaft for the fuel pump.However,my wife's 97 Tahoe DOES have both the hole and a fuel pump lobe.I know it's wierd,but GM always was good at throwing curves,especially if they had wierd parts in stock.