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Does anyone have any suggestions for a replacement cam? The person I bought my '73 from had installed a cam that was way too big for the 350 motor. Not sure of the exact specs on the one that is in there but I do know the duration is 292. Anyhoo, it won't even idle or run decent until I get over about 4000 RPM (not too good for around town) so I am putting a different one (smaller) in it but still want a good sound and some reasonable performance.
From: Exiled to Richmond, VA - Finally sold my house in Murfreesboro, TN ?? Corner of "Bumf*&k and 'You've got a purdy mouth'."
CI 6-7-8 Veteran
CI-VIII Burnout Champ
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
Re: Cam Installation (Mystery Machine)
I went through this very same debate with my truck recently. I purchased a used '78 Chevy that had WAY too much cam in it for a daily driver and tow vehicle.
I selected the Crane Cams Power Max 260 split duration cam. part number 113901 (113902 with lifters)
it has a 260/272 advertised duration (204 / 216, I think) and .427 and 454 lift. -- the description reads (Brute low end torque for daily driving, towing. Smooth idle RMP range 1200 - 5500 (more like 4750 acording to desktop dyno0 8.0 - 9.5-1 compression ration.
You could also try the 262 or a 268 cam -- the 268 is about the max for a stock stall speed convertor, will give a lope to the idle and is made for higher RPM powerband.
I looked at about 10 different cams with desktop dyno. For my use as a daily driver, with some decent power, the 260 was the best match. Maybe for a Vette, the 262 would also be good.
What do you have for intake, carb, and exhaust ? That will help some too. And it may also be some of your drivability problems.
And yes, a 292 duration is WAY to big for street use. The cam in my truck was a 280 and it was annoying as hell.
That write up is excellent! I truly envy guys like you that can do this stuff yourselves.
BSeery: I have an E-Brock intake and 600cfm carb (it had a 750 on it when I bought it, another overkill item I think). Exhaust...I have no idea, I have only had the car a month...I think everything is probably stock???
Welcome to the board! I have a similar setup. 350 L48 with the Ebrock Performer intake, Rochester Q-jet carb and recurved distributor(LARS). 2-1/2" exhaust to MagnaFlow mufflers (too loud inside the car) and no headers yet. TH400 and a 355 rear end. The cam is 204/214, lift 420/443, advanced duration 270/280. I'd prefer a bit more cam. It runs out of steam a bit early in the RPM range. I would also like to hear a noticable lope at idle and I don't with this cam.
Thanks. I just bought the car about a month ago so I'm still learning about it. The guy I bought it from was trying to fit 20lbs into a 10lb bag I think so I got stuck with lots of "overkill" components. From what you all have said I think I'm looking for something like 260.
For cam, what is needed is trans. & gears since you already gave C.I.
As FERL 73 alluded to, the Edel. Performer 2102 cam is not enough for a Corvette.
Edelbrock recommends their cam with the following specs:
204 / 214 duration
.420 / 442 lift
so, pretty close to that 260 I recommended above.
I bought a GM crate LM1 engine and put a Summit brand name came with those specs in it and it runs pretty damn good for the $1500 I spent on the combo. Not gonna win a drap race but it idles pretty nice, enough lobe to make the car shake just a touch and I can slow down to 800 rpm's in fourth gear and get going again no problem. I do have a 3.70 rear which helps.