We have a 1987 305 engine in a 1985 camaro and we are in the process of removing all the TPI crap. We are installing a Crane Z cam and my husband is wondering if there is suppose to be a trust plate installed on the block to keep the cam from waling out? There was one on there but it doens not fit the new cam.. Please help

 

Sounds like you're taking out the roller cam, and putting in a non-roller?

It'd be a better idea to get a roller cam and re-use the OE lifters, retainer plate, etc.

 

Yes we did replace the roller cam and lifters with a Crane Z cam. Do we go without the trust plate with that cam. I read on another site that we arent using one, Is this true?

 

That is correct. If you downgrade to a flat-tappet cam, you don't use the thrust plate. It goes together the same way that SBCs have gone together since 1955.

I would urge you to reconsider the step downwards in your cam setup. A roller cam can give you ALOT more performance, with ALOT less of the traditional "big cam" penalty, compared to a flat tappet. Send that cam back and get a similar profile in a roller. It'll pay off big-time.

 

My husband is a Ford man and really doesnt even want to have this camaro here but my mother gave it to me and all I want is for it to run great and have a little more power. more parts have been changed on this car than needed be. A used engine was put in it a few years ago and come to find out it has a 87 with vortex heads. Anymore input would be greatly appreciated.

 

My input is also to go out of your way to put in a roller cam instead.
Be aware if you are downgrading to the flat tappet style you'll need different length pushrods.
After you buy a flat tappet cam ($120), lifters ($80), pushrods ($40), you're maybe $40 shy of the roller cam. The roller cam would give more power and that $40 would be a small price to pay.

I'd also be wary about the Vortec heads. If there are vortec heads on it, are you sure it's a stock TPI intake on there? The stock TPI doesn't "fit" onto Vortec heads, so something doesn't add up there.
Check the casting numbers on the heads and post them up here. Also a picture of the intake might help.

 

They're probably calling the "swirl-port" heads as "vortec", as that's what GM called them at the time.
What do you mean by TPI crap? TPI is a great system for a street car with lots of torque off idle to 4000 rpms, where you need it.