mattdel

Soooo, I got an opportunity to pickup a complete EFI 351w out of a 93 pickup for $200, running when last used(w/e THAT means). TBH I only want the shortblock, but I'm a bit unsure of a few things.

If i pay to have this block prepped for a roller cam, am I going to need to use a "retrofit" style cam? Should I just stick with the hydraulic flat tappet design to save cash? Really what is the added benefit of a full roller setup aside from that its "newer technology"?

mjr46

you won't have to pay to have it prepped for a roller cam , just retro style expensive lifters, added benifit of roller is less wear, and less friction

mattdel

so i can stick a roller cam in here and use retro lifters?
im lookin to build a reliable DD here, not something that needs a rebuild after some spirited driving.

mattdel

ok just did some roller VS flat tappet reading. disregard =)

89Ford

I have heard b4 that the roller blocks were made in 92 or 93 but none of them actually came with a roller cam or roller lifters, this has never been confirmed for me. I know for a fact that 94 and up are roller tho. So if you can get a look at the valley of this engine, let me know if there is 2 bosses in the center for the spider tray.

edit: I just read that some people have F4TE(roller blocks) that were cast in 1993, so you would have to check to see if the casting number is F4TE

86HOGT

Wouldn't the 1st gen lightnings have roller? I think your theory is correct in that the older non Ho r Lightning blocks are flat tappet yet can be made into OEM roller by drilling where the spider gets bolted in the valley. I'm just speculating but I'm sure someone will know.

tinman

I too have heard about those 351's I would take a long look to see if it's really a roller block...