Best cam with stock unmodified Vortec Heads?
 

I don't have corvette but I do have olds with Chevy 350 V8 and could use some suggestions.

I have a 1977 olds omega with chevy 350 V8 smog motor. The factory service manual says it has 8.5:1 compression but from what I have read so far on the web, these smog engines actually have anywhere from 7.5:1 to 8:1 compression. Needless to say, the power really sucks from this motor. The car only has 37,000 miles on it so the bottom end is in fairly good condition. I am not looking for gobs of power and want to keep the transmissiona and rear end stock.

Does anyone know what is the best cam I can use with stock unmodified GM Vortec Heads?

I would greatly appreciate some sugesstions.

Thanks

I'm using the Summit 1103 cam with stock vortec heads, no issues.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-K1103/

thegazman
 

The lift is limited on stock vortec heads without modification to the springs. You need to check what the maximum lift your heads will accept prior to ordering a cam.

Jmho
 

Since you can't /won't change heads, a cam will only do so much.
You can get a small cam CC262 "218-224" and a thinner head gasket.
That way you would be increasing your SCR & DCR. You should be able to feel that!
Don't forget recurving your dist and getting the carb spot on!

R

Does your engine actually have Vortec heads? If your heads havent been changed, they arent Vortec heads.
If you have changed to Vortec heads your compression will be a bit better/higher than stock due to the smaller combustion chambers.

[QUOTE='75;1576329613]I'm using the Summit 1103 cam with stock vortec heads, no issues.

Do you have the ZQ3 (J-Code / 165-hp) or the L82 (T-Code / 205-hp) motor?


My 77 Omega does not have the Vortec heads. I am thinking about getting them from Summit. It seems most poeple are using the Scoggin Dickey modified GM Vortec Heads to increase the lift and get maximum power.

My goal is about about 300+ hp with stock Vortec head (which has 0.475 Max Lift), Edelbrock Performer EPS intake manifold and a new cam for everyday driving. This should put me in $1000 range.


Possible? What cam (may be COMP Cams 252H with 0.425 valve lift) ?

Thanks

I have a GM Performance 350 HO with Vortec heads. Car Craft magazine did an article (February 2009) on getting 400 hp with Vortec heads and the GM LT4 Hot Cam Kit with Comp Cams spring substitution to avoid a little machining.

GM GM Performance Parts 350 H.O. Crate Engine - Project Humble Pie

[QUOTE=waid786;1576333533]Mine is the L48, 165 hp engine. I'm using stock vortec rocker arms and the felpro .015" gasket.

Can you please tell me the part numbers for the rockers and the gasket and push rods?

Is the difference noticeable?

Thanks

The difference is very noticable. I got my heads from a salvage yard and got the rockers, head bolts, intake manifold bolts, valve covers/bolts off a '99 GMC Yukon. The heads I got are like new, no wear anywhere. I used the pushrods from my original engine.The head gasket part #1094. I have read on this forum that this combo should put out 325 to 340 hp. It sure feels like it is.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FEL-1094/

Think Kit
 

http://sdparts.com/details/scoggin-d...nter/sd8060kit

I you need the bolts, rockers gaskets and intake to go with Vortec Heads, you should think of SD Kit. All new parts that are Unique to Vortec Heads, intake, rockers, bolts, gaskets.

JM2C