My cam retainer bolts won't line up! I took my block to get machined, but the machine shop gave me a different block bc he made a mistake boring it out. He said he could either sleeve it, or give me one of his blocks. So I said ok, gimme one of your blocks. This guy is an engine rebuilder, that's all he does, so I figured he's got tons of sbc blocks laying around. When I saw that the cam plate bolts were not lining up, I got the block number off the rear of the block on top, near where the trans bolts up, So I could look it up online. The number is 10243880. I looked it up online, and everything I've seen has said that it's a 96-00 Vortec block! Is this correct, or am I f'ing something up somewhere? The block I gave him was from an L98 from an 89 Trans Am. I was gonna use the heads that came on the motor, cuz the guy i bought the motor from had them ported and polished and cut for bigger valves and springs. If it's a Vortec, I'm gonna have to buy a new set of heads!

 

I've used vortec heads on a regular block, so I don't see why your regular heads won't bolt on a vortec block.... maybe you need the cam retainer plate for the vortec, and you'll be fine.....
but then again, might have to do some research...

 

I thought Vortec heads have a different head bolt pattern?

 

Or is the intake bolt pattern just different?

 

yep, different intake

 

Is there anywhere I can get a cam plate for this block? The bolt holes on my cam plate are too far apart to fit the holes in the block. I could probably ask the guy at the machine shop. He probably has one laying around.

 

that's where I'd start, since he gave you the block....
but the dealer should be able to get one as well...

 

Jeg's actually sells one for $13.99. It's hard for me to get to this guy's place because he's only open till 5:00 P.M. and I have work. I might just buy it. Idk. Thanks for all the help!

 

I would at least call the machinist first, maybe he'd mail you one for free....

 

Because there are two different versions of the retainer plate; early and late
3.62" Bolt Center, and 3.294" Bolt Center

http://www.summitracing.com/search/b...s?autoview=SKU

 

help i need to know where to get the smaller retainer plate

 

GMs ZZ4 timing set comes with both plates, hardware and a single roller chain.