I've got an 89 GTA 5.7 that i toasted the motor in, cracked heads cracked block. She overheated badly. I also have a fresh older 350 4 bolt main from around the 70's that I'd like to install.

So far all I can tell is that i have to machine the TPI intake to allow for mounting on the older block.

I have a crane energizer cam in the older block, is this compatible with the TPI system, I was told that I need to swap the cams from the original motor for the newer computerized cam?

I was also told to purchase retrofitted lifters at $660.00, is this necessary?

Your words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

Is there anything else I've missed, aside from generally swapping everything from one block to the other, distributor, pulleys, etc.

 

Ya ..if you are useing the tpi cam .... you NEED those retro roller lifters . They are joind in the middle so they dont walk . the earlier gen block has ALL the roller provisions hence the name ROLLER BLOCK .


hope that helps

 

Is it a requirement to use the TPI cam?

 

Couple of things...

Machining/elongating the intake holes, only applies to the heads you're using...if '87+, no need, pre-87 you will (also heard some '86's will work, just check it out)

As far as the cam is concerned, we'd have to know the spec's to see if it's "TPI-Friendly", but no...you don't (and shouldn't while it's apart) use the satock cam, unless you're severely $$ limited.

$660.00 for a set of "retro-fit" rollers, is freaking way out of line, look in Summit/Jegs, etc...should be able to get a set in the 225-250 range
Then again, you may have gotten a price quote to go full-roller setup..cam, lifter, springs, pushros, etc...which I could see i n the 600-700 range.

Also keep in mind you'll need to do something about the flywheel/flexplate..since I don't think the one off the '89 will bolt to the earlier cranks...it's all doable, just take some money to get it done.

 

for the money your gonna spend to do this, why dont you just get a new long block that is a roller motor or find a used one

 

It seems like you are on a bit of a budget, so I'll post my comments with that in mind:

As stated above, only if the HEADS require it.The computer really doesn't have anything to do with the cam - HOWEVER if your std hydraulic cam is not close to the specs of the stock cam that the computer was programmed for, you may have driveability problems. It WILL run, but perhaps poorly/rich,etc. You could use ANY size cam in there if you don't mind reprogramming hassles when you are done.
Converting to roller setup really isn't necessary. I think that you have the major issues covered. You could always post results here if you have any problems. You not doing anything different from someone who has put a SBC 400ci block in their TPI car, so it's been done before.

[edit] whoops, almost forgot to add that I think the flywheel is different for a 1pc rear seal (new style0 compared to your 2 pc rear seal old style block. [/edit]

G'luck!

 

I used a stock tpi on an older motor before. I was using a edelbrock performer cam on a 350 with about 9.5-1 compression. It ran okay, but was anywhere as smooth as the roller motor. As far as driveabilty problems, none that I knew of.

 

Im using a 87 setup on my 73 block with sportsman 2 heads and zz4 roller cam with comp cams retro rollers in it ,all i did was elongate the center holes to mate up with the older heads.

 

you cant use a stock roller cam in an older block due to the snout being smaller on it, the timming gear has a smaller bolt pattern and a cam button may not fit. I fitted my 400 to roller but, I used all GM off the self stuff most of the plates and stuff from the 350 and some major major work to get the block to take everything. not worth it on a 350 but, the 400 is a little differant story

 

I used a comp cams roller chain setup in mine and machined a crane needle bearing cam button to fit in it,your right they are alot smaller snout.

 

I dont think he was asking about using the roller cam...just the intake. he already has a std hydraulic cam in the block...no roller stuff needed. No cam retainer plate or machining of any sort. He would only need to worry about these things IF he wanted to go to a roller setup.