ok i have a 1973 block that has a really nice cam in it which im sure is not a roller. then i have a 350 tpi block that has a roller cam in it. my question is can i use the cam that is a non roller in my roller block. or am i screwed and have to go buy a roller cam?

 

Yes you can run a flat tappet cam in your roller cam block but it opens up other issues that you'll be forced to address along with other changes that you'll need to make if you intend to use it in conjunction with your TPI system. Why not just spring for a new roller cam suitable to the later block and more suitable to the TPI EFI system?

Good luck

 

You need a non roller timing set.
Bolt pattern for gear is smaller on roller cams

 

the tpi setup is gone its carburetor now. so basically i take the timing chain gears and cam and use it on the roller block correct?

 

Most non-roller timing sets will have interference with roller blocks. Since grinding the block is dangerous if the engine is still assebled, you may need to put the cam gear on a lathe to get the clearance. This means mocking it up first, without the chain. You will need new lifters.

 

can i ask y i would need new lifters?

 

You could re-use the flat tappet lifters from the old block if they are in good shape. You will need to keep them in the correct order if using the same pushrods & rockers. Also, the roller cam setup will have different length pushrods as well so watch out for that. You should measure the lift of this cam as well to make sure you have enough clearance and the correct valve springs to handle it. Really this is all going backwards. Why not find a nice used Roller cam to replace the current one and avoid all these problems?

 

You may get lucky and get away with reusing the lifters with the same cam in a different block, but it's not worth taking the chance. In either case, it is absolutely necessary to keep them in the correct order, no matter what pushrods and rockers you use.

 

ok im like flippin out then trhe freaking camshaft is coming out of a 305 it's a mid to high power cam really aggressive thats why im not getting a new cam. I have marked the lifters an such so that i can easily switch them into the new block in correct order but i did not even think about having to get new pushrods.........im so ****ed i hope miraculously they are the same length or i wont have it done by this weekend

 

i also forgot to post but my heads are good for 550 lift i already took the appropriate measures like pinned studs and valve springs an retainers

 

Push rods for a roller cam are significantly shorter than the push rods for a flat tappet- the roller lifter itself is longer.

If this is even a mildly aggressive flat tappet cam AND you're re-using the old lifters I'd be careful which oil you use and probably use an additive at each change. Last thing you want is to wipe a lobe and have to take the engine apart.

I'm sure if you add up the cost you're probably approaching a better, more efficient roller cam. One that can re-use all of your existing pieces/parts, won't require special oil, will get better mileage, more power and remain worry free...Nah, guess not.

 

Flat tappet pushrods 7.800"
Roller pushrods 7.200"

 

naf i know what i am doing is not the smartest or better thing to do but my problem is i dont have a job im running out of money im working with what i got and i have access to any machining i need done except to my heads so the lathe is covered. i have 97 dollars 15 for pinned studs and 70 for milling my heads i can use my whole setup off of my 305 with the pushrods cam and lifters and they only have 1000 miles on them so that is why im considering reusing them on top of that my dumbass bought roller rockers and now need guideplates and hardened pushrods cause of the slots on my heads. so im reusing the stock rockers the only way i see me getting a new roller cam is if i sell my roller rockers and make 80+dollars and i already picked up the valve covers to support the roller rockers i guess i just need so find some type of income or sell one of my 43 cars or maybe haul a couple off lol

 

I see LT4 Hot Cam kits all the time for around $150-175. There's one on this site now for $120.

You'd be much happier with it.

 

roller cams are like three times the price of flat tappet cams grrrrrrrrrrr i mean i found a nice cam i wouls use and bam its a flat tappet for 100 bucks im really thinking it would be easier to buy a retrofit flat tappet and use my 305 pushrods and call it a day and i looked for the lt4 hotcam and could not find it who posted it?

 

Two that were at $120 appear to be sold. They're always available through Ebay though, too.

 

your saying a lt4 hotcambut can i even use lt1 cams or do i need special parts?

 

LT1 cam's work the same as the LT4 hot cam, just less lift, around 450 int/460 exh. They are around 20-50$.