350 vortec swap in my monte carlo aerocoupe

[Clone TIE Pilot]

Besides being roller cam and often lacking a fuel pump pushrod hole, Vortec blocks also use a plastic timing cover with a crank sensor port. Also the Vortecs use a different crank sprocket and damper in order for a reluctor wheel to fit on the crank.

 

[ssn696]

Besides being roller cam and often lacking a fuel pump pushrod hole, Vortec blocks also use a plastic timing cover with a crank sensor port. Also the Vortecs use a different crank sprocket and damper in order for a reluctor wheel to fit on the crank.

Unless you reuse the Vortec EFI system, these issues are not necessarily a problem. The block is compatible with stock and aftermarket pre-Vortec timing gears, dampers and timing sets. GM planned the plastic timing cover as single-use, so replace it if you keep all their EFI stuff.
All '87 and later SBC blocks were set up to support the roller cam. Non-roller hydraulic cam shafts are ground with a degree of angle towards the back of cam - as the lifters press down, it keeps the cam pushed into place in the block. The roller cams are ground 'flat' and rely on a retention plate bolted over the end of the cam to keep it in place. You may have seen 'cam buttons' advertised for when retrofitiing a pre-roller cam black. Then push on the timing cover to keep the cam in place. Just make sure you have the plate and bolts if you go with a roller cam.

 

[Yav8]

Very easy fix for the block with no mechanical pump. Get a electric pump and problem solved. As for the plastic cover easy fix. 1 you can get a new one with the hole plugged or 2 you can just plug and seal the hole with any thing that fits. 1/2 inch wood and sealer works for many that I have done. I always reinstall the reluctor wheel to keep the front damper at the proper depth. If you on the cheap you can use the factory roller cam and you can upgrade to a set of 1.6 rockers if you want. That 350 vortec moves a 6200lb 4 wheel truck around nicely so it will easly make a 3500lb Gbody owner happy.

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

Unless you reuse the Vortec EFI system, these issues are not necessarily a problem. The block is compatible with stock and aftermarket pre-Vortec timing gears, dampers and timing sets. GM planned the plastic timing cover as single-use, so replace it if you keep all their EFI stuff.
All '87 and later SBC blocks were set up to support the roller cam. Non-roller hydraulic cam shafts are ground with a degree of angle towards the back of cam - as the lifters press down, it keeps the cam pushed into place in the block. The roller cams are ground 'flat' and rely on a retention plate bolted over the end of the cam to keep it in place. You may have seen 'cam buttons' advertised for when retrofitiing a pre-roller cam black. Then push on the timing cover to keep the cam in place. Just make sure you have the plate and bolts if you go with a roller cam.

Some of the later Vortec blocks do not have the dowel pins or have some undrilled bolt holes for older style steel timing covers. GM does sell plastic timing covers without the crank sensor hole, and these are used on the modern ZZ4 crate motors. That way you do not have to drill and tap the missing bolt holes in a later Vortec block.

 

[ssn696]

Some of the later Vortec blocks do not have the dowel pins or have some undrilled bolt holes for older style steel timing covers. GM does sell plastic timing covers without the crank sensor hole, and these are used on the modern ZZ4 crate motors. That way you do not have to drill and tap the missing bolt holes in a later Vortec block.

Aha! I learned something new.

 

[shaner613]

Aha! I learned something new.

I am in the middle of installing an engine with a casting number ending in #880 block with "906" vortec headed 355 in my SS. I used a new timing cover and a GM intake for quadrajet carbs. Example:
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5335822911&icep_item=331580588354


Part number on mine to follow

Hope this helps.

 

[shaner613]

PN 12468570

 

[Yav8]

Some of the later Vortec blocks do not have the dowel pins or have some undrilled bolt holes for older style steel timing covers. GM does sell plastic timing covers without the crank sensor hole, and these are used on the modern ZZ4 crate motors. That way you do not have to drill and tap the missing bolt holes in a later Vortec block.

The 880 vortec casting does not have the dowel pins for the metal timing cover. The holes are their and the only thing you need to do is get the correct size pins for the hole. Same as the pin that goes in the nose of a cam shaft. It easy but I just use the plastic cover with a wood plug. Or spend the $$$$ and do what you want.

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

The 880 vortec casting does not have the dowel pins for the metal timing cover. The holes are their and the only thing you need to do is get the correct size pins for the hole. Same as the pin that goes in the nose of a cam shaft. It easy but I just use the plastic cover with a wood plug. Or spend the $$$$ and do what you want.

Some do have the holes, some don't have the holes. Mainly the later van 880 blocks from the last couple of years of production are the ones that lack two of the bolt holes.

 

[ssn696]

Aha! I learned something new.

Bar50, please correct my facts.