Must be fairly recently, because I haven't seen that in a factory-built sbc. They've been using roller lifters since '87.
No it does not, GM. did not start using roller cams until 1996.
They are rocker arms that go under the valve covers and make the exhaust and intake valves open. They have small rollers that have little needle bearings in them that reduce engine friction and allow the valve train to work in a smoother maner with better performance.
1995
I believe it was 1981.
1987 - 1995
1975 model year.
2011
If the engine has iron heads and press-in studs, then no, you don't need guide plates. If the engine has aluminum heads or iron heads with screw-in studs, then guide plates would be appropriate.
No GM did not start putting roller cams in the small block Chevy until 1987. The easiest way to tell is by looking at the valve cover although not always a definitive answer since you can swap heads or even get an adapter. If it has center bolt valve covers it is most likely from an 87 and later GM car or truck and would have a roller cam.
Most likely the "knock" is more of a "tap". Especially if it's a roller cam motor. GM stock hydraulic roller lifters are notorious for cold engine noise. Other than that, in earlier motors, GM had an issude with piston slap (www.gmpistonslap.com)
gm bought allison in 1987
Answerno,gm started roller engines in 1987also, trucks didn't get roller cams even after they where in cars.. til like..95? 97?