cam question

[350s10]

im about to buy a cam but my block is an 1980-85 block, and the cam is for an 1987-98 year block. i was wondering if that cam will work in my block. thats from summit, but the same cam from jegs says 1955-98.

[firefighter]

The cam will work but you are gonna need the retro fit lifters. The post 1987 blocks were roller motors, SBC and 4.3L

[350s10]

ok, will i need to do that even though the cam is a flat tapped?

[firefighter]

I think if you are staying with a flat tappet you just use regular lifters. Out of curiosity why would you stay with a flat tappet though? There are issues with todays oil missing an additive ZDDP (I think) that causes premature cam failure. Like in less than 5K miles. You will have to put in an additive like this with every oil change.

http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?itemID=22120&itemType=PRODUCT

[Mikz86TA]

Post up the cams part number.
Usually listing cams as 87-later means that the cam is a roller cam. In which the 87-later SBCs were roller cam motors. The lifter valley has cast-in threaded studs to hold the lifter 'spider' that keeps the roller lifters' orientation in the bore.

[350s10]

my block was a factory flat taped, no cast in threads, so i would have to get retro fit roller lifters which are $400+ im 16, i dont make much money. i bought a 90s 305 looked up the casting # btw, and that was flat tapped.

[firefighter]

I understand about the not making money and being 16 (I was there once and I remember it well) but if it's something that you could wait an extra month or so for the extra couple two, three of hundred for the roller set up you will be better off in the long run and it will run better now too. But I also understand the impatience of being 16 too so if you get the flat tappet just buy that ZDDP stuf by the case.

[350s10]

well i found this out after i bought the cam already lol. so i have to add that in the oil everytime? or can i buy royal purples mulit grads racing oil cuz racing oil has that in it.

[firefighter]

Yeah the ZDDP needs to be in every change if the RP stuff has it in it go with that but it'll prolly cost more than the additive. IDK see which works out better.

[350s10]

ok, later down the line ill proly g2 roller but i couldnt find any computer compatible roller cams with the amount of lift i want ant the right rpm range i want... but later ill prolly go hard core and carb it and make it a race truck lol