Can you swap in an lt1 cam into a vortec 5.7 engine ?

xzero117 · Apr 23, 2014

I'm getting confused with these roller camshaft product lines

I have an engine out of a 96 tahoe, a vortec motor with factory roller cam and lifters

when choosing a cam do I go with one advertised as for lt1 or generation 1 small block ?

I don't need those retro lifters that come connected do I ?

I see a bunch of different part numbers for the cam I want depending on whether its for lt1 or generation 1 small block

ericnova72 · Apr 23, 2014

You don't need the retro roller lifters, with the connecting links.

You'll want the LT1 style cam nose, not Gen 1.

techinspector1 · Apr 23, 2014

RPO L31 5700 Vortec is a Gen I motor with hydraulic roller tappet cam and hydraulic roller lifters. Cam application index will usually say " '87-'99, except LS1". There will be a separate listing for LT1, '92-'96 and a separate listing for LS1, '97-'10.

jokerZ71 · Apr 23, 2014

Yes.The LT1 & LT4 cams are commonly swapped into Vortec engines.IIRC,you need to verify the length of the locator pin on the front of the cam.I forget the measurements offhand,but,this length is different between some engines.

4 Jaw Chuck · Apr 24, 2014

Yes they interchange, both engines need the stepped nose cam for the retainer. The long drive pin on the cam is typically installed projecting farther out for the distr drive required for the LT1, you only need to tap that pin in farther for a non LT1.

The cam mfg supplies instructions with their cams that descibes what you need to do to make it work with either engine.

Can you swap in an lt1 cam into a vortec 5.7 engine ?

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