Cam - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

dion · 07-11-2002, 12:16 PM

I'm getting a better cam for my 350, RV cam in there now, what are you guys running and why?

68 with 350 TPI · 07-11-2002, 02:34 PM

Cam choice depends on compression,engine size, carb,intake,headers/manifolds,trans, gear ratio etc.

If you could give some info I or someone on the board would be glad to help.

dion · 07-11-2002, 02:54 PM

Rebuilt 350, Edelbrock 1406 with performer intake (will switch to Victor Jr. soon) Headman Headders into dual Flowmaster 40's (getting better Headders also) TH350, Dana60 4.10 rear, thanks.

bigjimzlll · 07-11-2002, 03:12 PM

if you r going with a vic Jr( which i dont know why) you will want a cam thats in the 280 range......if you tell us some more about your motor..such as the kind of heads..compression ratio i can tell you a little better with a heavy truck and an automatic with out a high stall, its usally best to build for good low end power..stock heads stop working well above 5000 rpm, the vic jr intake works best between 3500 and 7000rpm. try to figure where you will be in rpms most, is this a street ride or a all out racer? take some time and really consider what you want to build...its a lot CHEAPER that way
Jim

dion · 07-11-2002, 03:22 PM

Stock heads. I was told by several board members that a vic jr would give me much more HP, that's last on my list at this point. I don't know the comp ratio, I'm taking it back to the shop to find out. First is a bigger cam and 1.6 roller rockers.

slam33 · 07-11-2002, 03:32 PM

1.6 rockers will just make your bigger cam even bigger. Choose the cam you want and run the 1.5's thats what the cam is figured on. As for the Vic, you might find it a bit too much, sounds like your building an Performer RPM motor instead.

Longhorn Man · 07-11-2002, 05:01 PM

I would stay away from the Vic Jr...ona streed animal anyways. Go for the performer RPM. It is for 1500 - 6500. I have one and am VERY pleased.
You are way better off staying a little conservitive on your cam choice. Especially with your stock heads. Even ported factory heads are nothing compaired to the Vortecs or any aftermarket casting.
I have to live with a bug cam every day, and I am looking forward to the smooth running caddy motor. I like the loping sound, it calls for all car guys at every stop light... "hey man...what the h*ll you get in that old thing?" But I would be happy to go down a few steps. I rag the pee out of mine, but I still hardly ever go over 6 grand.
As for the "heavy truck" statement, if your running a short bed ride, you're probably lighter tham most muscle cars. Long beds are about the same or a little lighter than most of them too.

68 with 350 TPI · 07-11-2002, 05:19 PM

I agree ...The Vic Jr. is way too big for stock heads.
In fact you would need 200-220 cc intake ports to work right with it and a cam around 290 duration.
Stay with a performer ,performer rpm, or a weiand stealth at the most.

I would say go with a crane 260 -272 duration at most with near stock compression and a 600 cfm carb.
Trust me it will still have a nice idle if that whats you are looking for.
BTW if you get the flowmasters I would suggest that you also get a H pipe to balance the flow. They only cost about 25-35$ and make a exhaust sound sooooooo much better

Plus can add a few extra hp if put in the right spot.

And stay away from the 1.6 as stated...it will only make the cam act bigger and thats not what you need.

dion · 07-11-2002, 06:03 PM

What do you guys suggest then? I really want to get this thing faster. First thing everybody tells me is get a bigger cam and roller rockers, it will give you more hp they say. Vortec heads and a better intake was next. These are my hydro cam specs 270 ad duration, 112 lobe speed, valve lift 420, cam lift 280

bigvinnie · 07-11-2002, 06:23 PM

if you keep your stock heads, you may never achieve your goals...do you plan on racing or just street cruising? What's your budget? Are you running a stock converter or higher stall? Is this a daily driver? What gears are you running? comp ratio and piston type(flat/dish/dome) would be good info to have, especially if you decide to go with different heads...

the cam has to be matched to your components and your specific needs, so you need to eliminate all the unknowns to get a good result, otherwise you could end up worse off... desktop dyno can give you some clues once you have specs for your setup...

Stepside · 07-11-2002, 07:15 PM

Stay away from single plane intakes. They suck gas, and don't make power until you get up in the r's. I'm running a 70 LT-1 GM aluminum intake. Several companies have copied this intake. Holley come close with the 300-36. Idle to 7200.
Stepside

Sinister · 07-11-2002, 10:06 PM

dude, i'd shy away from the victor...
i got an edelbrock torker, (single plane sorta like the victor), and it's hip out on the highway, but
it's got less low rpm torque going on...
if you got an auto tranny, (specially in a truck), you wanna make torque down low...
if your unsure bout the compression it's probaly 8 - 8.5...try smaller chambered heads, fuelies or something to get the compression up...(or better yet rebuild the bottom end)...how's your tranny? the clutches in mine are starting to go, (slippage)... so off the line at wot the motor's making power but it ain't getting to the rear wheels...

excuse my rambling...

lukecp · 07-11-2002, 10:22 PM

If i were you, i would invest in a set of Vortech heads. I believe i saw a conversion kit; the heads, gaskets, self-alligining rocker arms, and the bolts; for around $600 from Jim Pace? i believe. That is a steal, considering Vortechs are proably the most powerful production SBC heads ever made, and quite a bit better than several aftermarket heads. Watch out though, with the 64cc combustion chambers, you compression will jump up several points compared to the 76cc chambers on your stock heads. You would proably have to run higher octane gas. Then i would get a Edelbrock Performer RPM Vortech intake, and keep your 1406 carb (jetted a little richer, or course). I would run around the size that 68 with TPI suggested.

BTW, i have heard that Vortech heads, a RPM intake, headers, and a Comp XE268 cam can be good for 380 HP on a 383 stroker, so i dont see why you couldn't get 340+ HP out of your 350.
Good luck!

mikep · 07-11-2002, 10:28 PM

Roller rockers wont gain you a damned thing exept possibly a bit longer valve guide life. Have you ever seen a side by side comparison of roller rockers to stamped steel with grooved balls. The manufacturers claim up to 30 HP gain but have you ever seen their dyno numbers?? Me neither! If it were all that the rocker manufacturers would be sticking it in your face. Instead they make unsubstantiated claims. I like substantiated claims before I spend my money ! Ive used roller rockers before and never seen any seat of the pant difference. Thats why I am using standard rockers now.

The vic is too big. go with the performer rpm or a suitable clone.

*racedvl* · 07-11-2002, 10:48 PM

Torque rules the street. Period. If you want seat of your pants fast on the street, exp. in a heavy truck, you need torque. Single plane intakes are for high rpm. Unless your gonna leave every stop sign, or stop light at 4000 rmps, stick to a dual plane.

07-11-2002, 12:16 PM	#1
dion 72 Cheyenne Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: San Diego Posts: 2,086	Cam I'm getting a better cam for my 350, RV cam in there now, what are you guys running and why? __________________ Burnout Idle 1972Cheyenne 1966/67Stouts

07-11-2002, 02:34 PM	#2
68 with 350 TPI Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Wingate NC Posts: 456	Cam choice depends on compression,engine size, carb,intake,headers/manifolds,trans, gear ratio etc. If you could give some info I or someone on the board would be glad to help. __________________ Life is good with a 6-71 supercharged 355 in a 72 camaro

07-11-2002, 02:54 PM	#3
dion 72 Cheyenne Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: San Diego Posts: 2,086	Rebuilt 350, Edelbrock 1406 with performer intake (will switch to Victor Jr. soon) Headman Headders into dual Flowmaster 40's (getting better Headders also) TH350, Dana60 4.10 rear, thanks. __________________ Burnout Idle 1972Cheyenne 1966/67Stouts

07-11-2002, 03:12 PM	#4
bigjimzlll Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Redding,CA...USA Posts: 4,736	if you r going with a vic Jr( which i dont know why) you will want a cam thats in the 280 range......if you tell us some more about your motor..such as the kind of heads..compression ratio i can tell you a little better with a heavy truck and an automatic with out a high stall, its usally best to build for good low end power..stock heads stop working well above 5000 rpm, the vic jr intake works best between 3500 and 7000rpm. try to figure where you will be in rpms most, is this a street ride or a all out racer? take some time and really consider what you want to build...its a lot CHEAPER that way Jim __________________ It's called "drag racing" if they called it "tic..tic..WHAM!..BANG! F*&K!!!", they'd have to keep the magazines under the counter with the other men's publications click the clicky to join the site.... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php 67 lwb..first hotrod in 25 years..540 best ET is 9.45 @ 141.44 Anderson,CA

07-11-2002, 03:22 PM	#5
dion 72 Cheyenne Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: San Diego Posts: 2,086	Stock heads. I was told by several board members that a vic jr would give me much more HP, that's last on my list at this point. I don't know the comp ratio, I'm taking it back to the shop to find out. First is a bigger cam and 1.6 roller rockers. __________________ Burnout Idle 1972Cheyenne 1966/67Stouts

07-11-2002, 03:32 PM	#6
slam33 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Long Beach, Ca Posts: 1,432	1.6 rockers will just make your bigger cam even bigger. Choose the cam you want and run the 1.5's thats what the cam is figured on. As for the Vic, you might find it a bit too much, sounds like your building an Performer RPM motor instead. __________________ 71 LWB 350/350still working on it but it's going tp be sweet. www.geocities.com/stevemau/slam33page.html " TARGET=_blank>http://www.geocities.com/stevemau/slam33page.html?1004806705410 </A>

07-11-2002, 05:01 PM	#7
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	I would stay away from the Vic Jr...ona streed animal anyways. Go for the performer RPM. It is for 1500 - 6500. I have one and am VERY pleased. You are way better off staying a little conservitive on your cam choice. Especially with your stock heads. Even ported factory heads are nothing compaired to the Vortecs or any aftermarket casting. I have to live with a bug cam every day, and I am looking forward to the smooth running caddy motor. I like the loping sound, it calls for all car guys at every stop light... "hey man...what the h*ll you get in that old thing?" But I would be happy to go down a few steps. I rag the pee out of mine, but I still hardly ever go over 6 grand. As for the "heavy truck" statement, if your running a short bed ride, you're probably lighter tham most muscle cars. Long beds are about the same or a little lighter than most of them too.

07-11-2002, 05:19 PM	#8
68 with 350 TPI Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Wingate NC Posts: 456	I agree ...The Vic Jr. is way too big for stock heads. In fact you would need 200-220 cc intake ports to work right with it and a cam around 290 duration. Stay with a performer ,performer rpm, or a weiand stealth at the most. I would say go with a crane 260 -272 duration at most with near stock compression and a 600 cfm carb. Trust me it will still have a nice idle if that whats you are looking for. BTW if you get the flowmasters I would suggest that you also get a H pipe to balance the flow. They only cost about 25-35$ and make a exhaust sound sooooooo much better Plus can add a few extra hp if put in the right spot. And stay away from the 1.6 as stated...it will only make the cam act bigger and thats not what you need. __________________ Life is good with a 6-71 supercharged 355 in a 72 camaro

07-11-2002, 06:03 PM	#9
dion 72 Cheyenne Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: San Diego Posts: 2,086	What do you guys suggest then? I really want to get this thing faster. First thing everybody tells me is get a bigger cam and roller rockers, it will give you more hp they say. Vortec heads and a better intake was next. These are my hydro cam specs 270 ad duration, 112 lobe speed, valve lift 420, cam lift 280 __________________ Burnout Idle 1972Cheyenne 1966/67Stouts

07-11-2002, 06:23 PM	#10
bigvinnie Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: escondido, ca 92026 Posts: 1,222	if you keep your stock heads, you may never achieve your goals...do you plan on racing or just street cruising? What's your budget? Are you running a stock converter or higher stall? Is this a daily driver? What gears are you running? comp ratio and piston type(flat/dish/dome) would be good info to have, especially if you decide to go with different heads... the cam has to be matched to your components and your specific needs, so you need to eliminate all the unknowns to get a good result, otherwise you could end up worse off... desktop dyno can give you some clues once you have specs for your setup... __________________ '72 short step, 350, 700R4, tilt, ps, pdb, a/c, lowered coils, etc., other work in progress... San Diego, CA 72 Stepside Project

07-11-2002, 07:15 PM	#11
Stepside Gasser Join Date: May 2000 Location: Thomasville,NC USA Posts: 456	Stay away from single plane intakes. They suck gas, and don't make power until you get up in the r's. I'm running a 70 LT-1 GM aluminum intake. Several companies have copied this intake. Holley come close with the 300-36. Idle to 7200. Stepside __________________ :thud 70 sstep tubbed, Muncie, double hump, snowflake,

07-11-2002, 10:06 PM	#12
Sinister Between Trucks... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA. Posts: 3,830	dude, i'd shy away from the victor... i got an edelbrock torker, (single plane sorta like the victor), and it's hip out on the highway, but it's got less low rpm torque going on... if you got an auto tranny, (specially in a truck), you wanna make torque down low... if your unsure bout the compression it's probaly 8 - 8.5...try smaller chambered heads, fuelies or something to get the compression up...(or better yet rebuild the bottom end)...how's your tranny? the clutches in mine are starting to go, (slippage)... so off the line at wot the motor's making power but it ain't getting to the rear wheels... excuse my rambling... __________________ Beat it to fit, Paint it to match...

07-11-2002, 10:22 PM	#13
lukecp Formerly yellow72custom Join Date: May 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 7,531	If i were you, i would invest in a set of Vortech heads. I believe i saw a conversion kit; the heads, gaskets, self-alligining rocker arms, and the bolts; for around $600 from Jim Pace? i believe. That is a steal, considering Vortechs are proably the most powerful production SBC heads ever made, and quite a bit better than several aftermarket heads. Watch out though, with the 64cc combustion chambers, you compression will jump up several points compared to the 76cc chambers on your stock heads. You would proably have to run higher octane gas. Then i would get a Edelbrock Performer RPM Vortech intake, and keep your 1406 carb (jetted a little richer, or course). I would run around the size that 68 with TPI suggested. BTW, i have heard that Vortech heads, a RPM intake, headers, and a Comp XE268 cam can be good for 380 HP on a 383 stroker, so i dont see why you couldn't get 340+ HP out of your 350. Good luck! __________________ '72 Chevy C10 Mild 350/TH350/3.07. Ochre/White. Old high school ride. '70 GMC C2500 '62 327 4bbl/SM465/4.56-geared Dana 60. White/White. Project or parts truck. '97 Saturn SL DD. 1.9/5-speed. 40+ highway mpg

07-11-2002, 10:28 PM	#14
mikep Used to have a truck Join Date: May 2002 Location: port orchard WA Posts: 1,552	Roller rockers wont gain you a damned thing exept possibly a bit longer valve guide life. Have you ever seen a side by side comparison of roller rockers to stamped steel with grooved balls. The manufacturers claim up to 30 HP gain but have you ever seen their dyno numbers?? Me neither! If it were all that the rocker manufacturers would be sticking it in your face. Instead they make unsubstantiated claims. I like substantiated claims before I spend my money ! Ive used roller rockers before and never seen any seat of the pant difference. Thats why I am using standard rockers now. The vic is too big. go with the performer rpm or a suitable clone. __________________ No truck :-(

07-11-2002, 10:48 PM	#15
racedvl Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Woodstock, IL Posts: 7,020	Torque rules the street. Period. If you want seat of your pants fast on the street, exp. in a heavy truck, you need torque. Single plane intakes are for high rpm. Unless your gonna leave every stop sign, or stop light at 4000 rmps, stick to a dual plane.



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