Performance Cams
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Performance Cams
Im interested in finding out whats a good performance cam to go with in a 78 that will be compatible with the 5.7 350...also looking into changing the headers out and adding dual sidepipe exhaust. Looking for someone to give me some insight on what brands to go with, were I can get more bang for my buck.
Last edited by jspiv04; May 28, 2012 at 03:02 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,736
Likes: 56
From: anchorage ak
First off what heads, what kind of fuel delivery, trans mission type stall speed if auto, rear gears, what year 5.7, intended use, compression ratio & goals as far as performance. That is the needed information for picking out a cam.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 42
From: Austin Texas
I agree, more info is needed. The cam itself is not that expensive for a hydraulic lifter model. Comp Cam and Lunati sell them from under $200.
However, you need more than the cam to make the power you want. You are going to want the proper valve springs, lifters, an new timing gear, you need a gasket set, maybe new push rods. Then, if your car is an automatic, you may find that it needs a different torque converter and after all that you take it for a ride and decide those 3.08's need to be changed to 3.55 or 3.73. Now that you can smoke the tires, you need to swap the transmission one more time to put in something with overdrive.
$3000 later, your cam swap is complete...
"If" your new cam moves the power band back, you need to change other things in your drive line to allow your motor to operate in that rpm range.
However, you need more than the cam to make the power you want. You are going to want the proper valve springs, lifters, an new timing gear, you need a gasket set, maybe new push rods. Then, if your car is an automatic, you may find that it needs a different torque converter and after all that you take it for a ride and decide those 3.08's need to be changed to 3.55 or 3.73. Now that you can smoke the tires, you need to swap the transmission one more time to put in something with overdrive.
$3000 later, your cam swap is complete...
"If" your new cam moves the power band back, you need to change other things in your drive line to allow your motor to operate in that rpm range.
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
The car has the factory engine, auto-tranmission, and its a l48. The car is not going to be driven that often, but I want to be able to hit it, and it give me alot more than its currently given me. Not impress with with the performance at all. I just want to be able to make some upgrades that i will be happy with. I'm new to changing headers, cams, valve springs, and etc. Just looking for something that i will be happy with and improve the performance of the car. But im not trying to race the car, so nothing too over the top...
Last edited by jspiv04; May 29, 2012 at 10:20 PM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 121
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Well you have a 1978 auto L48. It is probably 190 HP with 8.2 to 1 compression, 3.08 gears and weighs about 3500 LBs so it is what it is. A cam swap only will not get you much. To make a noticable engine difference you need headers, free flowing true dual exhaust w/no cats, heads, intake and a cam and you need to know what your doing or you could end up worse off than you are now. A lower geared rear end and different convertor will help a lot and make building something with power easier but you sacrifice cruising RPM. The best overall change you can make is a different trans, a richmond 5 speed with 1 to 1 fifth gear and a 3.27 first is the best option but it isn't easy or cheap.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,736
Likes: 56
From: anchorage ak
I agree that a cam swap alone isn't going to net what your looking for, its taken me three years to get my car to were it is & its not even finished. You could start with headers & dual exhaust and gain as much with better sound. I also agree that a lower gear would give you more of that seat of the pants ride. in order to get good gains from a camshaft Youll need gears, a free flowing exhaust, a torque converter matched to the rpm range of the cam shaft, with machining intake and heads.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
Your best "bang-for-the-buck" would probably be to throw a really good tune on that engine, (re-curve distributor, tweak carb, etc.) and install headers and a dual exhaust system. You'll be surprised......
Keep the shiny side up!
Scott
Keep the shiny side up!
Scott
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 121
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Right. Distributor recurve is huge. If you plan on side exhaust and headers there is an outfit selling them on here OBX or something like that. Here they fit well and look good.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 8,939
Likes: 35
From: El Cajon California