I have a silly question. I have a 350 from a 73 truck. I was wondering if it is possible to put a roller cam and lifters in it. Would modification be necessary? If so what?

 

You can put either a Hyd roller cam or a solid roller cam in that block.

I am going to assume that you want to put a Hyd roller cam in and you will need one of the retrofit hyd roller cams that companies like Crane or Comp sells. You will also need the retrofit Hyd roller lifters as well. It will all just slide right in. You will also probably need to put in a different pushrod length. No modifications are required. Just some $$$...

I know when I did an engine a few years ago for one of my other cars I had to put about an 1/8" shorter pushrod in mine.

 

Thanks for the help.

 

You will also have to install a "cam button" on the end of the roller cam timing gear and a cam button stop on the inside of the timing gear cover. This cam button and stop prevents the roller cam from walking in and out of the block. flat tappet cams do not need a cam button, just roller cams.
Roller cams are made of a different metal than flat tappet cams.
If your roller cam does not have a cast distributor gear as many "street roller cams" do you will have to use a special distributor gear compatable with the cam gear. Use either a bronze or a special alloy roller cam specific distributor gear. Roller cams move the valves much faster than flat tappet cams. You will need specific high perf valve springs matched to the roller cam. Roller cams generally have much more valve lift than flat tappet cams. You may have to machine the valve guide boss tops for more lift clearance.
Make sire you order a "retro fit style roller cam" for your old block. Modern post 1987 blocks use a different roller cam.
Different part numbers. different camshafts.