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**MikeB** · 06-16-2019, 08:51 AM

Without knowing how you plan to use your truck, as well as transmission type, tire height, and axle ratio, it's pretty hard to recommend a cam other than stock or near stock.

Having installed three Goodwrench 350 crate engines, I can say the much-maligned engine makes very nice street power with a small 4bbl and low restriction dual exhaust, even with it's very small cam (.383"/.401" Lift, 194 / 202 Duration @ .050"). It also makes lots of torque right off idle, typically what you're looking for in a pickup, and 21" vacuum with a smooth, consistent idle.

One customer with a late 60s pickup had me install a Summit K1102 cam (204/214, .421"/.444") in his Goodwrench 350. Not a big cam by hot rodder standards. The engine did pull stronger in the mid-range, and rev around 500 RPM higher, but he lost some torque off-idle, which meant he could no longer spin his tires in low gear (TH350 with 3.08 axle, as I recall.) Gain 500 RPM on top; loose 500 RPM on bottom. That's how cams work. I suspect the next smaller Summit K1101 cam would have been a good compromise. Again, this is with (and because of) the engine's stock heads and low compression. A 204/214 cam with tighter lobes centers might have worked better, but that's another discussion!

06-16-2019, 08:51 AM	#19
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,441	Re: 79 350 overhaul Without knowing how you plan to use your truck, as well as transmission type, tire height, and axle ratio, it's pretty hard to recommend a cam other than stock or near stock. Having installed three Goodwrench 350 crate engines, I can say the much-maligned engine makes very nice street power with a small 4bbl and low restriction dual exhaust, even with it's very small cam (.383"/.401" Lift, 194 / 202 Duration @ .050"). It also makes lots of torque right off idle, typically what you're looking for in a pickup, and 21" vacuum with a smooth, consistent idle. One customer with a late 60s pickup had me install a Summit K1102 cam (204/214, .421"/.444") in his Goodwrench 350. Not a big cam by hot rodder standards. The engine did pull stronger in the mid-range, and rev around 500 RPM higher, but he lost some torque off-idle, which meant he could no longer spin his tires in low gear (TH350 with 3.08 axle, as I recall.) Gain 500 RPM on top; loose 500 RPM on bottom. That's how cams work. I suspect the next smaller Summit K1101 cam would have been a good compromise. Again, this is with (and because of) the engine's stock heads and low compression. A 204/214 cam with tighter lobes centers might have worked better, but that's another discussion! __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 34 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 23 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then! Last edited by MikeB; 06-16-2019 at 12:15 PM.