My documented TBI-to-Vortec 350 conversion!

[Horns]

Someone could have always taken your stock block and added a roller cam to it, but I think there's a better chance that someone got a vortec short block from somewhere and threw the TBI heads on it.

Start checking the casting and stamping numbers.

Your block doesn't have a plastic timing cover does it?

 

[1993GMCSierra]

The plot thickens!

 

[jdyates]

I have a set of stock vortec heads I bought from summit racing in 2010 for ~$700 that I'm looking to sell. They are bolted up on my old engine I pulled out of my truck and am replacing with a new crate motor as the old one had something go in the bottom end less than 8000 miles after I replaced the old cracked heads.

They have new rockers/pushrods on them, I can ship them to you with the stock vortec valve covers and exhaust manifolds from my `96 too since my new motor came with everything. Looking for $450 for them plus whatever shipping would cost.

I'm interested! Can you figure out shipping to Weslaco, TX, 78596?

 

[jdyates]

Someone could have always taken your stock block and added a roller cam to it, but I think there's a better chance that someone got a vortec short block from somewhere and threw the TBI heads on it.

Start checking the casting and stamping numbers.

Your block doesn't have a plastic timing cover does it?

To be honest, I don't know. Where are the numbers? And now you guys have me VERY interested in my truck's history. All I know is the engine was "rebuilt" at about 100,000mi. Don't remember why. I'll head over to the shop tonight and pull a lifter and take better pics.

 

[jdyates]

The plot thickens!

Hell yeah it does!

 

[bluex]

I don't think those dog bones will fit over regular flat tappet lifters. It could be that whoever rebuilt it put the roller cam since the block was setup for it. I think all blocks after 90 are setup for roller cams weather they got them or not....

Edit: Definately a roller setup you have there, the dog bones won't fit a flat tappet lifter at all

 

[jdyates]

WIN. This thing continues to surprise me. I'm going to throw a cam in it before she gets the new heads, anyway. What do y'all recommend for vortec heads and daily driving?

 

[bluex]

Your limited on lift with stock vortec heads, I can't remember off hand but it think it's .470.

Look at the HT383 GM crate engine, that's a good cam that works with stock heads...

 

[FastOrange]

I don't think those dog bones will fit over regular flat tappet lifters. It could be that whoever rebuilt it put the roller cam since the block was setup for it. I think all blocks after 90 are setup for roller cams weather they got them or not....

Edit: Definately a roller setup you have there, the dog bones won't fit a flat tappet lifter at all

you could get roller tappet and flat tappet only blocks. i have had both.

 

[FastOrange]

Your limited on lift with stock vortec heads, I can't remember off hand but it think it's .470.

Look at the HT383 GM crate engine, that's a good cam that works with stock heads...

i run .489 lift with comp springs, i think im pushing the limits though.