Thread: 1990 350 Cam Question-Roller?

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Hey Don:

I think 1996 the Vortec was the first truck motor that used a roller cam so if it's the original engine, probably not; however, the 350 blocks back as far as 88/89 were drilled and ready for rollers. Only sure way is to check - pull a valve cover and use a good light to look down the pushrod hole. You'll recognize a roller. Even if it's not a roller, the hard work has been done by GM in terms of lifter bosses and tapping the oil galley so you could use factory roller lifters, spider, etc. without a lot of additional machine work.

Worse case - Howards makes a real good aftermarket kit that has everything you need to install roller in a non-roller block. they tie lifters together with a bar that prevents rotation and provide the proper length pushrods (I still always check them - you don't want to find out the hard way they're too long - just trust me here!), cam button and retrofit springs, seals and locks. I like to replace the front cover (regardless) with one set up for roller cams to make sure the cam stays put. If they walk even a tiny bit you can toast the cam in a New York minute.


Best,
Glenn