Technical LT1 camshaft in 90 OE roller block

I have a 1990 sbc 4 bolt roller block, Can I use a LT1 camshaft in this block, google states I can with little mods, can you chev guys please tell me what is needed, is it worth the trouble, thanks in advance Glen

 

You'll probably have to use a fuel pump block off plate and use an electric fuel pump.

 

Not saying that you have a 880 block, just take in info.

 

?
First gen. LT-1 camshaft or second generation.

 

LT-1 is the original.

LT1 is the modern.

 

Who knows what the OP knows.

 

I wondered the same as you. I didn’t know of the hyphen designation. Now I do…….if I can just remember which is which later.

 

This may or may not help, but the 3rd gen crowd used to use the LT4 hot cam.
Any relation, no idea.

 

• 1970–1972 LT-1 – Chevrolet Generation I Small-Block
• 1992–1997 LT1 – GM Generation II Small-Block
• 2013–(current) LT1 - GM Generation V Small-Block.

 

One wishes GM would use different engine codes...

 

The reason Im asking is I chasing a hydraulic roller camshaft for my blown sbc and I need a reduced base circle unit as engine is a stroker, ( a local company cannot supply due to no billets at present ). Ive been searching the internet and emailing some company's with limited results, Ive seen some 92-97 LT1 units that I could use if they would fit this block. Glen

 

Delta Camshaft, Tacoma WA may help here.

 

I am thinking when you say LT1 cam
Its 91 -97 correct , Not a LT1 cam 70?
The cam you have Now the OEM
Will cam take a " regrind " to your spec
& cut on small Base circle ?
I looked up the cam bearings they are same ID & OD sum tho are narrow ,
The one thing would need to check to make sure lifter does not drop below
Lifter bore & pi$$ out the oil when on heal of lobe circle !
About 10 yeas ago I had engine set up by a shop & engine builder did not know the cam was a custom 30 yr Small Base Circle & blew it up in 10 mints on stand
& if block is non roller , its no big deal to make a cam retainer or just use cam ****on ,
& you will need to check push rod rocker arm geometry if you are not aware of this .

Just asking did you mock up rod's
are they hitting cam if so how much ?

 

***uming you have an OE roller cam block, you can use a 90s LT1 cam. Understand that cam has no fuel pump lobe, so you are stuck with electric fuel pump, and understand the dowel pin is longer on an LT1 cam, so you just cut off the extra length with a hacksaw and you’re ready to rock. It takes a few minutes is all. I did this putting an LT4 hot cam into an 880 roller block. Same principle. Use late model cam retainer plate, with loc***e.

 

This is the reply I needed, Ive read something similar to this on google, my block is an OE roller, now I may have more options, thanks

 

also need a melonized distributor gear, don’t forget about that

 

One more response, sorry. I have a stock lt1 cam, pretty sure it has some lobes going flat, but if you wanted to pay shipping and have it reground, it’s yours. Let me know.

 

Was planning on stock lt1 cams in my vortec 350s as a budget cam myself

 

Keep in mind the LT1 had like another full point of compression, so intake valve close point isn’t ideal for a lower compression engine.

 

Thanks for reply's, I ended up going with a Comp OE hydraulic roller from Skip White performance. Glen