A previous topic has sparked some interest for me to do a hybrid motor...so, after digging through the archives I found some great info on doing a flat tappet LA hybrid. I however want to do a roller version. I have an 86 roller LA motor. Does anybody know: will the stock Magnum valve train work in the roller LA? If I get Mag heads, can I use the Mag heads, can I use the Mag pushrods and roller lifters in the roller LA block? If so, are any mods necceassary or will the parts drop right in? It is enticing to bolt the better breathing and smaller chamber Mag heads on my lethargic 318 to wake it up....for dirt cheap! If anybody has done this, please. Please share info pics or whatever!! I really wanna try this!

Ok, got these questions answered in another post by scratchinfotraction (thanks mike you da man!) But I want to keep this post alive so I can do an illustrated how to, so if your interested, mark this post in your favs and keep your eyes peeled

Here's what I got and what I'm gonna do: I have an 86 LA 318 with a factory roller cam. I am to going to swap my LA heads for Magnum heads.

Parts list:
Mag heads, complete with rocker assemblies
Mag push and roller lifters (need these because my LA does not lubricate through the lifter and pushrod)
Mag intake
New roller cam (I could keep the stock one but I wanna upgrade to a better cam)

This should allow me to use everything I already have and upgrade my cam and heads for minimal cost. The parts hunt will begin this week. I will post pics of the parts as well as estmated costs

When your valve job is done, have a deep 70* cut into the head if you are using OEM magnum heads. There is a fair restriction to breathing there below the valve seat that can easily be removed.

watch the lift and coil bind on the mag stock springs..they wont take much lift

maybe patrick will chime in on the GM 3100 behive springs and 2.2 retainer swap and how much lift/coil bind specs are

best bet are hughes 1110 springs and 2.2L retainers with oem mag locks...that'll give about .520-.540" lift capability with stock heads