Upgrade Cam ???
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 98
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From: Edmonton AB
Upgrade Cam ???
Looking at upgrading my cam in my totally stock 81'...
Want to add a little extra torque and hp without spending $$$...my 81' is a 4 spd. BTW...totally stock except exhaust which has been changed out to straight
duals with no cat and magnaflows.....comments pls !!
Want to add a little extra torque and hp without spending $$$...my 81' is a 4 spd. BTW...totally stock except exhaust which has been changed out to straight
duals with no cat and magnaflows.....comments pls !!
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 57
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From: Iowa
The Summit 1103 cam is always a good choice on a budget, but is best matched to a set of Vortec heads as well. I'm running that combo and it really woke the car up. (I have a 76.) I wouldn't upgrade the cam without doing at least the heads. I got a set of low mileage heads and had them cleaned up and they work fine. There are other head choices but these are a good value.
The Summit 1103 cam / GM Vortec head combo is very similar to the GM 350 HO crate engine which makes 330 HP / 380 lb ft torque. That is a worthwhile improvement of the stock sub 200 HP engine you have. It is definitely a seat of the pants difference.
The Summit 1103 cam / GM Vortec head combo is very similar to the GM 350 HO crate engine which makes 330 HP / 380 lb ft torque. That is a worthwhile improvement of the stock sub 200 HP engine you have. It is definitely a seat of the pants difference.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,593
Likes: 103
From: Southern Indiana
The Summit 1103 cam / GM Vortec head combo is very similar to the GM 350 HO crate engine which makes 330 HP / 380 lb ft torque. That is a worthwhile improvement of the stock sub 200 HP engine you have. It is definitely a seat of the pants difference.
They are like 112 to 114, Comp Cams come in at 110.
I really doubt a set of vortec heads and a Summit cam will give you over 100 horse power.
I have $800 set of World torquer heads to install this winter and I only expect 30 or so horses.
I also say you can upgrade to a cam and maybe an aluminum intake (because its off the engine) without a head swap.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 755
Likes: 32
From: Roswell Georgia
I changed my '80 (automatic w/stock exhaust) over to Chevy's old 929 cam for a big boost in low end torque for auto-xing. I don't think that Chevy still sells the cam, but Comp Cams sells the same cam as their Factory Muscle 929H cam. Since you have a 4-speed and true duals (no cat), you may be interested in their Factory Muscle 151H cam (same as the old 327/350 cam). Flows well with stock heads and has a slight lope at idle.
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
270H needs more C/R & new valve springs.
268H would work w/ 4spd. & is a good max. for stock valve springs.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,465
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From: Orange Park Fl
Ganey is right on as usual
. The Comp XE268 is a great cam for your car. I know you are budget minded, but I have to add that with any flat tappet cam, you will need to use special oil or additives (No, Rotella will NOT work!) to keep from wiping a lobe. If you bite the $500 roller cam bullet, you could go with an XR 264 or XR270. Then you have roller performance and can use Walmart oil. Over time it may even pay for itself.
God bless, Sensei
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Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,736
Likes: 56
From: anchorage ak
I went with the comp cams 262xe, a set of edelbrock rpms & a wieand action+ intake, made a huge difference with a 2400 rpm stall and shift kit. Works great with the stock bottom end. made 260 rwhp and 307 rwtq.
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 98
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From: Edmonton AB
I got a quote from Performance Parts store on the Comp Cams 262H, lifters, roller T timing chain and gaskets.....dude indicated I might as well change these out as well since the cam is being done which is fine by me 
parts all in are $280...how much should I expect for labour from my mechanic ???
parts all in are $280...how much should I expect for labour from my mechanic ???
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Yes, timing chain set would normally be changed.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,593
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From: Southern Indiana
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
I changed my '80 (automatic w/stock exhaust) over to Chevy's old 929 cam for a big boost in low end torque for auto-xing. I don't think that Chevy still sells the cam, but Comp Cams sells the same cam as their Factory Muscle 929H cam. Since you have a 4-speed and true duals (no cat), you may be interested in their Factory Muscle 151H cam (same as the old 327/350 cam). Flows well with stock heads and has a slight lope at idle.
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
Scott
