Looking to the future - camshaft
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 273
From: Dunedin NZ.
Looking to the future - camshaft
What would be the modern replacement/improvement for the factory 350/350 camshaft from 1970?? Don't want lumpy idle, do want low end torque, revs max 5500 rpm.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,615
Likes: 150
From: Forth Worth TX
If you are only going to change the cam and don't want lumpy, you should stick with the original (P/N 3896962). You won't find another that magically increases torque. The original cast iron intake manifold stops making power at 5600rpm, so any cam that comes alive up high is pretty worthless.
I also suggest you dyno the car/engine before and after you change cams to verify the results.
Have you seen this L-46 build/comparison article?
http://www.superchevy.com/technical/..._dyno_testing/
I also suggest you dyno the car/engine before and after you change cams to verify the results.
Have you seen this L-46 build/comparison article?
http://www.superchevy.com/technical/..._dyno_testing/
Last edited by Revi; Dec 26, 2013 at 08:25 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,697
Likes: 139
From: Syracuse NY
What have you already done to the car? I assume carb, intake, ehxaust has already been upgraded? What is your goal for the cam? Just an overall pep-up? There is a large amount of research to be done here. Tell us more of what it is you are looking for performance wise.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 273
From: Dunedin NZ.
So I figured if the bottom end is in good shape just a mild upgrade to help the breathing, entry level alloy heads with a small compression increase, the 350/350 or equivalent/better cam, Quickfuel BD-1957 carb. Roller cam looks good but wont fit my budget. I have looked at crate motors or a built up but to get to 350 - 400 Hp and alloy heads will run $4800- $6500 here.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,736
Likes: 56
From: anchorage ak
I'm a fan of the roller but since it don't fit the budget... Any how, I used the xe 262 when I did the l48 top end, had a noticeable idle but not really lumpy. Be sure to upgrade valve springs to match that of the cam specs. Good luck on your project.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
Most camshafts are advertised with a power range, so just look for one that has a power range of around 2000-5000 rpm, and you'll probably be happy with it.
Scott
Scott
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
No one has asked the questions you need to answer before determining cam requirements. What heads? CC? Casting number? Dish, flat top, dome pistons? Actual calculated compression ratio? Rear gear ratio? Trans? Manual? Close ratio,? Wide ratio? or automatic? 350 THM or 400 THM? Stock convertor? Engine is not original. 1970 is 10.25 to 1 1971 is under 8 to 1 actual. Big difference in the cam you can use and all the above will factor in to the best option..
Last edited by 63mako; Dec 27, 2013 at 12:26 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,736
Likes: 56
From: anchorage ak
No one has asked the questions you need to answer before determining cam requirements. What heads? CC? Casting number? Dish, flat top, dome pistons? Actual calculated compression ratio? Rear gear ratio? Trans? Manual? Close ratio,? Wide ratio? or automatic? 350 THM or 400 THM? Stock convertor? Engine is not original. 1970 is 10.25 to 1 1971 is under 8 to 1 actual. Big difference in the cam you can use and all the above will factor in to the best option..
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09