[DEMONSPEED]

Is there two different cams from 87 and up and 86 and down SBC 350's? Im not talking about 87 and up roller cam motors just regular flat tappet 87 and up. I noticed different companys dividing the two and needed to know. Thanks in advance, Rob.

[eric32]

Well there is a difference only in the bolt pattern and such you must have a matching timing chain set to go with that camshaft of that yea. Basically the old flat tappet cams will work in any 350 block whether its the two piece or one piece rear main seal. The 50's up to 86 block just will not work with oem roller setup. On the 86 and up block they will take both flat tappet cams and oem roller cams. Some of the newer blocks have to have the spider rack bosses drilled and tapped to accept the spider rack cause some from the factory where not tapped for it but are made into the block to accept it. If you have a newer block you can just use the flat tappet cam and the matching timing chain set. On any oem roller type cam you have to get a different type of timing set to match up with it cause the bolt pattern is moved closer in. Just get a timing chain set that is stated for oem roller cam and such and vice versa and you will be fine. The lifter bores are the same for both blocks. Its just you can use oem roller lifters or oem roller cam's in older blocks because of no provisions for it.
Eric

[hemi joe]

thanks alot eric for that info.that is something i've been wondering myself.i have a 87 caprice 5.7L 350 and i've also noticed the different cams and combos and which one would accually work in my motor.thanks joe

[jimfulco]

Might be some problems with computer compatibility in OEM applications. In other words an older cam design might confuse a later model vehicle's computer.

[DEMONSPEED]

Thank you Eric and Jim.