Ok, so I picked up a stock LT1 cam for my 86 Camaro 305 tpi. Can I swap the cams without removing the engine? Do I need to get new valve springs?

 

Your 86 is not set up for a roller cam if the engine is origional. The LT1 cam is going to require a whole new valve train. It would probibly be more cost effective to get a compatable flat tappet cam.

 

I know the engine was replaced in 99'. I am not sure if it was replaced with a newer 305 or what. I know the head casting numbers are 14014416. Can that tell me if it has rollers or not? Crap, I am bummed, but this is how you learn! At least I didnt go tear about the engine and find out the hard way.

 

You can pull a valve cover and look down one of the oil drains and you will see the lifters. You can then tell if its a flat tappit or roller cam. If its a roller you will see the piece holding down all the lifters.

 

No. In fact, it tends to indicate it is flat tappet, but doesn't prove it - roller lifters were part of the block, not the heads.

 

Ok thanks guys, you all are a big help! Where do I find my casting numbers on my block to find out if i can put roller rockers in?

 

Block casting numbers are right behind the driver side cyl. head:



All blocks can accept roller lifters, it's just a matter of what type. There's either the spider-style hold down (factory late model roller), or the retro-fit style.

If you are, in fact, wondering about the addition of roller rockers (The things that sit on top of the heads), then the block casting number is not important.