1971 corvette: I have a 350 that will become a 383.

Because the car is heavy in vacuum, what should I look for in a camshaft? I want to be able to drive it on nice days, and won’t be using it for racing or anything, but I wouldn’t mind my stoplight to stoplight having a good kick. Also, if it’s possible to have a bit of good sounding chop.

 

Have a 383 in my 71 convertible. A cam should be aligned to the carb, manifold, trans (stall if auto), and rear gear. Want to pick a desired rev range and pick parts to match it. I wanted a 2000 to 5500 big torque motor to mostly drive around town, but really go when stomped. Picked the Comp Cams 08-423-8, aka XR276HR-10. Run it with 1.6 ratio roller rockers, roller lifters and 10.5:1 compression. Runs amazing and no detonation whatsoever. Good vacuum as well as it is short duration and 110 LSA.

 

You're probably going to open the floodgates here because everyone has an opinion on what is the best cam - kind of like what is the best oil, or best C3 year, etc etc. That said....

If you're going to go with a flat tappet, the Comp Cams Magnum 280H grind is probably the best choice out there for a moderate (400'ish HP) 383 build, as any lift duration at or over 230/230@.050 (which it is) is consider a hot number without being TOO radical. It's the most radical you can go without the car seeming like it's going to shake to pieces at idle. I love that grind. Basically a L46/L82 grind on steroids. Any higher than a 280H and you'll have vacuum issues at idle, and streetability issues. Low end torque on the radical cams - gone....

Also, with flat tappets you HAVE to make sure you are running oils with sufficient levels of ZDDP (1100 PPM or more) or you'll shave a lobe....I know this from personal experience, or you need to run ZDDP additives. If running a roller, you don't have to worry about that and you can get similar profiles, but they are much more expensive.


This is my opinion, so per usual, wait for additional input from other members, but also do your due diligence and gather research from multiple reputable sources before making a decision.

 

Use this with 180cc Dart heads and a little cleanup on the bowls and it will turn tires at almost any RPM......I built a friend and members 385 with this cam, heads and a Performer EPS that I cut the divider down a bit on......750HP Street carb. Basically a version of the HR276 Comp.......

Hydraulic Roller Camshaft & Lifter Kit; 1955 - 1998 Chevy 262-400 1800 to 5400 Howards Cams CL110245-12S | Howards Cams

Jebby

 

What do y’all think about this one? Would this work in a 71? https://www.lunatipower.com/barebone...k-276-286.html

 

thanks!! I’ll check it out!