Is this the engine?!? Did I find the one?

[Ewhitaker0020]

I think I've found the engine for my rebuild on Facebook marketplace. They're asking $100. He says it's a TBI motor. Does this mean it does or doesn't have the vortec heads? It's an 89' 350. I'm looking for an 87-95 350 so I can have an engine that's set up for roller lifters and still has a mechanical fuel pump option.

I was told to get one from this year range. Will I have to buy vortec heads because it has TBI heads if that's even a thing.

 

[Ewhitaker0020]

Sorry I forgot to attach a pic of the engine.

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[CSFJ]

I may be wrong, but I don't believe the early tbi engines got the vortec heads. I want to say that those didn't appear until '94 or '96 when they changed the injection to a newer style.

 

[Ewhitaker0020]

I may be wrong, but I don't believe the early tbi engines got the vortec heads. I want to say that those didn't appear until '94 or '96 when they changed the injection to a newer style.

Will this be block be set up for a roller cam?

 

[CSFJ]

It's been a while since I really looked into thses, but iirc, the block should have provisions for the roller cam.

 

[animal]

If it's a truck motor it "could" still be a flat tappet cam. Need to pull the intake to know for sure if roller or not. @CSFJ is correct. It will NOT have the vortec heads unless they have been changed out. You would still have to purchase vortec's separately. Would also require an aftermarket vortec intake if your going to run a carb.

 

[Ewhitaker0020]

If it's a truck motor it "could" still be a flat tappet cam. Need to pull the intake to know for sure if roller or not. @CSFJ is correct. It will NOT have the vortec heads unless they have been changed out. You would still have to purchase vortec's separately. Would also require an aftermarket vortec intake if your going to run a carb.

Could I pull a valve cover to see how the rockers are made? Would they also have rollers? If I have to pull the intake what would I look for? I'm fine with purchasing the vortec heads separately and the intake.

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

Just addressed this in the other thread but to reiterate, there’s no chance that those are Vortec heads, but the block will accept your roller setup as long as it’s not a </= 1986 block with a TBI top end. You’ll need to date the casting number to be sure, which is easy since it’s not installed.

 

[Ewhitaker0020]

Just addressed this in the other thread but to reiterate, there’s no chance that those are Vortec heads, but the block will accept your roller setup as long as it’s not a </= 1986 block with a TBI top end. You’ll need to date the casting number to be sure, which is easy since it’s not installed.

I appreciate all your help. Is there a thread telling me what casting number I should be looking for?

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

I appreciate all your help. Is there a thread telling me what casting number I should be looking for?

No, but this is what I’ve always used.

http://outintheshop.com/faq/casting/castings2.html

And you’re very welcome.

 

[bucket]

Not all of the TBI blocks were set up for roller cam. Most of them were. Some had the provisions, but the lifter retainer bosses were not drilled/tapped. A lesser amount of blocks did not have the roller cam provisions at all.

 

[Ewhitaker0020]

Not all of the TBI blocks were set up for roller cam. Most of them were. Some had the provisions, but the lifter retainer bosses were not drilled/tapped. A lesser amount of blocks did not have the roller cam provisions at all.

I guess it's not the end of the world if I have to go with a flat tappet cam and hydraulic lifters. It's like playing the lottery

 

[bucket]

I guess it's not the end of the world if I have to go with a flat tappet cam and hydraulic lifters. It's like playing the lottery

You don't HAVE to go with a flat tappet. There's always the aftermarket 'link bar' lifters and a cam button.

 

[Ewhitaker0020]

You don't HAVE to go with a flat tappet. There's always the aftermarket 'link bar' lifters and a cam button.

What's the cam button for? The only time I've ever seen one was for the end of the cam shaft to control end play.

Oh... I guess that's because the roller cam doesn't have the bevel to keep it in place?

 

[bucket]

What's the cam button for? The only time I've ever seen one was for the end of the cam shaft to control end play.

Oh... I guess that's because the roller cam doesn't have the bevel to keep it in place?

Exactly. It takes a little time getting the end play set up, but it helps to have an aftermarket aluminum 2-piece timing cover too.

And here we are into the whole snowball thing again, lol.