Is a 1995 Chevy 350 a roller cam?
The quick answer is: it depends on the exact variant you have. LT1-powered 1995 Chevys use a hydraulic roller cam, while many 1995 Gen I 5.7L trucks used a traditional hydraulic flat-t tappet cam. The difference matters for maintenance, parts compatibility, and potential performance upgrades.
Two main 1995 350 paths in Chevrolet’s lineup
In 1995 Chevrolet offered multiple 5.7-liter V8 configurations, each with distinct valve-train arrangements. Understanding which one your vehicle uses helps determine whether it’s a roller cam or a flat-tappet setup.
LT1 Gen II 5.7L (Corvette, Camaro/Firebird) — hydraulic roller cam
The LT1 variant, a Gen II design, commonly used in performance-oriented applications in the early to mid-1990s, employs a hydraulic roller lifter system paired with a roller camshaft. This pairing allows for higher lift and broader power potential, and it generally requires different lifter hardware and timing components than older Gen I designs.
- Cam and lifters are designed to work together as a roller system.
- Typically paired with the LT1-specific intake, electronics, and cam specs.
- Common in performance-oriented 1993–1997 Chevrolet passenger cars and some sports/pony models.
In practice, this means many LT1-equipped 1995 Chevys are roller-cam engines, which influences parts selection during rebuilds or upgrades.
Gen I 5.7L TBI (truck/van/older applications) — typically flat-tappet hydraulic cam
The traditional Gen I 5.7L engines used in many trucks and vans during the mid-1990s generally relied on hydraulic flat-tappet lifters. While there were variations across models and years, the more common configuration for 1995 trucks was a flat-tappet hydraulic cam rather than a roller cam.
- Cam and lifters are typically a flat-tappet hydraulic design.
- Used in many 1995 GM pickups, vans, and heavy-duty applications that year.
- Rebuilding or swapping cams in these engines follows flat-tappet break-in practices, with attention to oil zinc content historically (though modern oils have evolved).
Thus, not every 1995 5.7L Chevys is a roller cam; many are, but a substantial portion of the Gen I lineup is flat-tappet.
How to verify which cam your 1995 350 has
Use these checks to determine whether your engine uses a roller or a flat-tappet lifter/cam system.
- RPO/engine code check: Look for the выпуска RPO code on the glove box/driver’s door tag or under the hood. Codes like LT1 indicate a Gen II LT1 engine with a hydraulic roller cam; older Gen I codes point toward flat-tappet designs.
- Lifter inspection (with valve covers off): Hydraulic rollers use lifters designed for roller cams; if you see small rollers on the lifters or a roller cam lobe, you’re in a roller setup. A flat-tappet lifter will be flat on the contact surface.
- Camshaft part number or service manual/spec sheet: If you can read the cam part number or confirm the engine family via the VIN/engine build sheet, you’ll know whether it’s a roller or flat-tappet cam.
- Common model indicators: LT1-equipped cars (Corvette, Camaro/Firebird in certain years) are typically roller-cam; many Gen I trucks and vans of the era used flat-tappet cams.
Understanding these identifiers helps you avoid mis-matched parts during maintenance or upgrades.
Practical implications for owners
Knowing whether you’re dealing with a roller or flat-tappet cam affects maintenance, lubrication considerations, and potential performance upgrades.
- Lubrication and wear: Roller cams generally tolerate higher lift and more aggressive profiles with lower friction, while flat-tappet cams historically required attention to oil zinc content and break-in practices.
- Parts compatibility: A cam swap or lifter upgrade must match the engine family (LT1 vs Gen I) and the lifter design to avoid improper lubrication or timing issues.
- Maintenance history: If you’re buying or restoring a 1995 350, verify the cam type to ensure you order the correct lifters, timing set, and valve train components.
Correctly identifying the cam type helps you plan maintenance, rebuilds, or performance upgrades with fewer surprises.
Cam swap considerations for a 1995 350
If you’re contemplating swapping or upgrading the cam on a 1995 350, consider these points to avoid problems:
- Match cam type to lifters: Roller cams require roller lifters; flat-tappet cams require flat-tappet lifters. Mixing them can cause poor lubrication and wear.
- Head and valve train compatibility: GT, LT1, or Gen I systems have different rockers, pushrods, and timing sets. Confirm compatibility with your cylinder heads and intake manifold.
- Oil and break-in procedures: Roller cams are generally less fussy about zinc content, but a proper break-in procedure is still essential. Flat-tappet cams often require zinc-enriched oil for break-in in older designs.
- Supporting mods: Upgrades to the cam may require tuning changes, intake/exhaust considerations, and, in some cases, upgraded timing chains and sprockets.
Consult model-specific guides or a trusted specialty shop when planning a cam swap on a 1995 350 to ensure correct parts and procedures.
Summary
In short, a 1995 Chevy 350 is not universally a roller cam. LT1-equipped 1995 models (Gen II) typically use a hydraulic roller cam, while many Gen I 5.7L trucks that year used a flat-tappet hydraulic cam. The exact configuration depends on the engine family and vehicle application. By checking the RPO/engine code, lifter appearance, and available service documentation, you can determine the cam type and plan maintenance or upgrades accordingly.
Additional context and takeaways
Understanding the cam type helps with maintenance decisions, parts compatibility, and potential performance improvements. If you’re restoring or modifying a 1995 350, confirm the engine family first, then source the correct cam/lifter kits and timing components to ensure reliability and optimal performance. A careful approach now helps avoid mismatched parts and costly mistakes later.
Bottom line for readers
Whether your 1995 Chevy 350 uses a roller cam depends on the specific engine family in your model. LT1 variants are typically roller, while many Gen I truck applications are flat-tappet. Verify using the engine code, lifter type, and service documentation before doing any major changes.
Conclusion and quick reference
To recap: identify your engine family (LT1 Gen II vs Gen I), confirm cam/lifter type via codes or inspection, and proceed with parts and maintenance accordingly. This ensures accurate repairs, successful rebuilds, and better-informed upgrade decisions for a 1995 Chevrolet 350.
What engine is in the 1995 Chevy 3500?
On 3500-series vehicles, a 5.7 L V8 was standard, with a 7.4 L V8 and 6.2 L diesel V8 as options.
What year did Chevy start using roller camshafts?
ANSWER. GM first began installing roller cams in some Chevrolet small-block, V8-equipped cars in 1987.
How much horsepower does a 1995 TBI 350 have?
A stock 1995 TBI 350 engine produced around 200 to 210 horsepower. Performance crate engines with the same TBI setup can be found with higher ratings, such as 260 hp, 290 hp, or even 310 hp, but these often have a new hydraulic roller cam and other internal upgrades. For a stock engine, the factory horsepower was approximately 200 hp.
You can watch this video to see a 400 hp 350 TBI engine being built: 52sengine factoryYouTube · Jul 18, 2020
Stock 1995 TBI 350
- Horsepower: Approximately 200 to 210 hp
- Torque: Approximately 300 to 330 lb-ft
- Notes: This is the factory-rated output for a standard engine in 1995 trucks, SUVs, and vans.
Performance TBI 350 (crate engines)
- Horsepower: Varies based on build, but common ratings are 260 hp, 290 hp, or 310 hp.
- Torque: Generally correlates with the horsepower increase, often in the 340 to 395 lb-ft range.
- Notes: These engines have internal upgrades like a hydraulic roller cam, and sometimes other enhancements, but retain the TBI fuel injection system.
How to tell if SBC is roller cam?
Pull one valve cover start and let idle and see if the pushrods are turning, if turning you have a flat tappet cam. If they do not turn you have a roller cam. This will keep you from having to pull a pushrod and measure it and readjust your lifter.
