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What year did Chevy 350 have roller cam?

The Chevrolet 350 engine, one of the most iconic and widely-used V8 engines in automotive history, gained roller camshafts in 1985. This design change improved the engine's performance and durability, making it a popular choice for both stock and modified applications.


The Chevy 350 Engine: A Brief History


The Chevrolet 350 engine, also known as the "Small Block V8," was first introduced in 1967 and quickly became a staple in Chevrolet's lineup of passenger cars and light trucks. The 350 was known for its excellent balance of power, reliability, and fuel efficiency, making it a favorite among both casual drivers and performance enthusiasts.


Over the years, the 350 engine underwent various refinements and upgrades, including changes to the cylinder heads, intake manifolds, and other components. One of the most significant advancements came in 1985, when Chevrolet introduced a roller camshaft design for the 350 engine.


The Roller Cam Advantage


The switch to a roller camshaft design was a significant improvement for the Chevy 350 engine. Roller cams offer several advantages over the traditional flat-tappet camshafts used in earlier versions of the engine:



  • Increased Durability: Roller cams are less prone to wear and tear, allowing the engine to maintain its performance characteristics for a longer period of time.li>
  • Improved Efficiency: Roller cams reduce friction within the engine, resulting in a more efficient transfer of power from the crankshaft to the camshaft. This can lead to a slight increase in horsepower and torque.li>
  • Enhanced Valvetrain Stability: The roller design allows for more aggressive camshaft profiles, which can improve valve lift and duration, further enhancing the engine's performance.


The introduction of the roller cam 350 engine in 1985 was a significant milestone in the engine's evolution, solidifying its reputation as a reliable and versatile powerplant for a wide range of Chevrolet vehicles.

What year is the best Chevy 350 engine?


The 1970 LT-1 version is generally considered one of the best of all the iterations.



What year was the Silverado bad engine?


From 2012 to 2019, each Silverado year model was littered with issues. The 2012 and 2013 year models have a few dozen reported problems, mainly about faulty engines and transmissions. 2014 Silverados have the highest number of complaints by far, with a significant portion of them relating to A/C and heating defects.



What's the difference between a roller cam and a regular cam?


Roller cams have lightning fast ramp speeds. In other words the valves snap open and slam shut much faster than flat tappet cams, which means the valves are open wider for a longer period of time which makes for much more flow. More flow = more power.



What year did Chevy have lifter problems?


The models affected are Chevrolet Silverado trucks from 2016 to present and, most particularly the 2021 models with 5.3L and 6.2L engines.



Can you run roller lifters on a solid lifter cam?


To successfully run hydraulic-roller lifters on a solid-roller profile generally requires that the solid cam profile be a tight-lash grind (under 0.020-inch hot) in the first place, with less than 30 degrees difference between the 0.020- and 0.050-inch duration specs.



When did roller lifters come out?


Roller can & lifters were first produced, by Chet Herbert, in the early '50's for the GMC & Chev 6 cylinders, long before the SBC but, I would guess that the SBC and/or the Chrysler hemi were the first V8's to have them.



When did rollers come out?


1930
Curlers, a tale as old as time
Variations on these were used throughout the ages until in 1930 American Solomon Harper invented the first rollers that didn't need heating. Not long after that plastic rollers arrived on the scene with Hollywood starlets, including Marilyn Munroe, popularising stylish curled hairdos.



Is a roller cam worth it?


Although roller-tappet cams are considerably more expensive, they make better economic sense in the long run. Plus, a roller is not as sensitive to break in as a flat tappet. The greatest challenge facing enthusiasts with hydraulic-roller cams is lifter weight.



How much horsepower does a roller cam add?


But with the better springs, the horsepower curve (HP2) continues to climb right up to 6,000 rpm before it tips over at 6,100 rpm. Peak power stabilized at 430 hp, which equates to a solid 25-plus-horsepower improvement at the reasonable 6,000-rpm peak.



How do you prevent GM lifter failure?


Without oil, the components wear out due to constant friction and heat and are prone to fail. This is why maintenance like oil changes should be done on time and oil levels should be checked regularly. If you think you are having a lifter issue, we recommend you take it to a professional immediately to be looked over.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.