Picking a Camshaft
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Picking a Camshaft
Ok. ..I have a completely stock, from what I understand, 72 350 car with a 4 speed.
I would like to add power and sound to my car and have found that a cam is the way to go!
So my question is, what is a good camshaft for a 72 350 4 speed?
I want a really nice sounding one with as much power as possible....that is under my budget...which isnt very high. Maybe 300.
I would like to add power and sound to my car and have found that a cam is the way to go!
So my question is, what is a good camshaft for a 72 350 4 speed?
I want a really nice sounding one with as much power as possible....that is under my budget...which isnt very high. Maybe 300.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
Ok. ..I have a completely stock, from what I understand, 72 350 car with a 4 speed.
I would like to add power and sound to my car and have found that a cam is the way to go!
So my question is, what is a good camshaft for a 72 350 4 speed?
I want a really nice sounding one with as much power as possible....that is under my budget...which isnt very high. Maybe 300.
I would like to add power and sound to my car and have found that a cam is the way to go!
So my question is, what is a good camshaft for a 72 350 4 speed?
I want a really nice sounding one with as much power as possible....that is under my budget...which isnt very high. Maybe 300.
top-end gasket set
engine coolant
oil/filter
tune-up parts
cam/lifters
On cylinder heads:
guides
lap valves
springs
keepers
locks
seals
clean/resurface heads
Your $300 budget is a problem.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,347
Likes: 418
From: Seattle Area WA
It sounds like you have a base model L48 engine with stock exhaust system. You can not go too long on durations because you don't have the compression to support it. Realize that a lot of aftermarket cams are going to require a spring change to support their faster ramp rates.
If you want to try a simple cam swap, look at SUM-K1103 cam and lifter kit for $100. It shouldn't require you to change springs because it has relatively slow ramp rates, and has 214/224 durations at .050" with stockish lifts and is on a 112 LSA. The more aggressive cams like Comp 268 and Crane Z cam 113511 have similar durations, BUT faster ramp rates that will require new valve springs as well. I'd install a new Cloyes Street Roller chain for around $25 as long as you are opening it up.
Make sure you gave some decent turbo type mufflers as well.
On second thought, you might get what you are after by installing a good 2 1/2" magnaflow exhaust kit from corvette central as a starter. We don't know what your car has now in terms of exhaust, so hard to tell, is it a 20-30 year old replacement system, or newer system with good flow.
If you want to try a simple cam swap, look at SUM-K1103 cam and lifter kit for $100. It shouldn't require you to change springs because it has relatively slow ramp rates, and has 214/224 durations at .050" with stockish lifts and is on a 112 LSA. The more aggressive cams like Comp 268 and Crane Z cam 113511 have similar durations, BUT faster ramp rates that will require new valve springs as well. I'd install a new Cloyes Street Roller chain for around $25 as long as you are opening it up.
Make sure you gave some decent turbo type mufflers as well.
On second thought, you might get what you are after by installing a good 2 1/2" magnaflow exhaust kit from corvette central as a starter. We don't know what your car has now in terms of exhaust, so hard to tell, is it a 20-30 year old replacement system, or newer system with good flow.
Last edited by Scott Marzahl; Sep 12, 2013 at 09:52 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,615
Likes: 150
From: Forth Worth TX
If your "stock" engine is the base model engine (200hp) a simple cam swap with nothing else being accomplished probably isn't the best way to go. With small valves and low compression, a cam isn't going to fix it. Lots of work with little results.
If you are still using the stock 2" exhaust system, I'd get 2 1/2" exhaust and some free flowing mufflers. A set of headers would help, but that will still be more than $300.
If you are still using the stock 2" exhaust system, I'd get 2 1/2" exhaust and some free flowing mufflers. A set of headers would help, but that will still be more than $300.
Last edited by Revi; Sep 12, 2013 at 09:19 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 4
From: Springfield VA
As said a cam is only as good as the rest of the motor.
I would upgrade the external stuff first. Like Intake, Carb/FI, exhaust, etc...
Exhaust is usually the best place to start IMO. You could also add some 1.6 rockers and that will give a little more lift.
I would upgrade the external stuff first. Like Intake, Carb/FI, exhaust, etc...
Exhaust is usually the best place to start IMO. You could also add some 1.6 rockers and that will give a little more lift.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 386
Likes: 1
From: Grafton WV
Cam change
I just replaced the cam in my L-81 engine with the Summit 1103 cam and lifters along with a 1406 Edelbrock Carb and a Summit Distributor and a set of Patriot headers from Summit and a new intake manifold. I have no idea of the Horsepower increase if any but I sure do like the rumpity sound of the cam and that was what I was after in the first place.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,503
Likes: 33
From: McGrady NC
St. Jude Donor '15-'16
In the old days, adding the factory (replacement) 327 350 horsepower cam to a 350 was a simple way to add sound and a little power. Every corner parts store sells that cam (Melling is a good brand) and I believe the factory part number ended in 151. Pick up a replacement set of lifters, a gasket set, a timing chain set, and go to it. It is doable for $300 or less and a long Saturday afternoon. The extra beer for your friends might run you over budget...
I ran that cam in a stock '78 Z/28 and it worked fine after converting to true dual exhaust. You already have that part.
I ran that cam in a stock '78 Z/28 and it worked fine after converting to true dual exhaust. You already have that part.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,347
Likes: 418
From: Seattle Area WA
The L79 "151" cam is pretty good IF you have the compression for it. It has durations of 222/222 @.050" and very long ramps. I have one in my kids car BUT it has 10.5 compression and it works very well. The Summit 1103 or the other suggested cams have shorter durations of 214 and 218 respectively to build some cylinder pressure.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
The L79 "151" cam is pretty good IF you have the compression for it. It has durations of 222/222 @.050" and very long ramps. I have one in my kids car BUT it has 10.5 compression and it works very well. The Summit 1103 or the other suggested cams have shorter durations of 214 and 218 respectively to build some cylinder pressure.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 167
Likes: 1
From: Escondido CA
My Crane Energizer 272-H10 grind had similar characteristics to Summit but with single pattern 216/216 duration at .050". It built a lot of low end torque and had the same lift as the L79 cam at .454. The L48 I had it in ran very well and picked up 100hp (60 at rear wheels) after I went through the engine and exhaust. At minimum with a new cam, rejet carb for performance and get a performance advance curve in distributor (adjustable vacuum advance can be added to stock distributor). If you have dual exhaust you would have the basics for a first step in improvements.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 109
From: Las Vegas NV
I heard the advancing the stock cam a bit along with freeing up the intake and exhaust is a really effective way to get power from the stock engine. Advancing the stock cam should only require pulling the timing cover, no work to the top end required.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
It will help but the 300hp cam is a 300 gross hp bump stick. Lift and duration are limiting the flow through even the restrictive cylinder heads. Even improving from .390/.410 to .454/.454 you will see a difference. Now, improving initial and advance timing along with richening for performance and that cam with the duals will really wake up the engine.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 109
From: Las Vegas NV
How about advancing the cam and installing higher ratio rockers? That'll give you more lift... maybe a negligible amount of duration too. Not very expensive, and you just need to pull the timing cover and valve covers. Granted... pulling the timing cover can be time consuming, and nobody wants to risk a new oil leak.
Of course the best way to go is to get a matching set of aftermarket heads, cam, intake, and carb... now we're talkin'
Of course the best way to go is to get a matching set of aftermarket heads, cam, intake, and carb... now we're talkin'
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,284
Likes: 1,171
From: Hermosa
How about advancing the cam and installing higher ratio rockers? That'll give you more lift... maybe a negligible amount of duration too. Not very expensive, and you just need to pull the timing cover and valve covers. Granted... pulling the timing cover can be time consuming, and nobody wants to risk a new oil leak.
Best bang for your buck if money is tight is to forget replacing the cam. Open up the exhaust, ie duals all the way back, headers and get rid of catalytic converter. Send the carb to Lars or if your somewhat handy buy Cliff Ruggles's book on the q-jet and follow recipe one in the book. Re-curve your timing to come in earlier. If you have money left over you can convert to electric fans for cooling. All of these combined will net you a good 50 HP and much better engine response.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,736
Likes: 56
From: anchorage ak
Upgrading to decent heads with 64cc chambers and a decent camshaft is the way to get power coupled with an aluminum dual plane intake and a set of long tube headers you'll have power a great sound.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
Here are a couple of good articles on picking a camshaft, enjoy!
http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/1...t/viewall.html
http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/p...aft_selection/
Scott
http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/1...t/viewall.html
http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/p...aft_selection/
Scott
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 109
From: Las Vegas NV
Here are a couple of good articles on picking a camshaft, enjoy!
http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/1...t/viewall.html
http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/p...aft_selection/
Scott
http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/1...t/viewall.html
http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/p...aft_selection/
Scott