Looking to the future - camshaft

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Dec 26, 2013 | 02:26 AM

Haggisbash

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.

Dec 26, 2013 | 08:08 AM

Revi

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/

Last edited by Revi; Dec 26, 2013 at 08:25 AM.

Dec 26, 2013 | 10:17 AM

Scottd

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.

Dec 26, 2013 | 10:25 AM

cv67

Team Owner

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 81,241

Likes: 3,062

From: altered state

St. Jude Donor '05

There are more modern cams out there that can get you a nice torque bump without the higher revs. Wont be a huge jump but noticeable nonetheless.

Dec 26, 2013 | 10:57 AM

rponfick

Drifting

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 1,675

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From: Loveland, CO

If you can stand the added cost, I would go to a hyd. roller cam to lessen breakin/oil issues and gain the performance advantages.

Ralph

Dec 26, 2013 | 08:09 PM

Haggisbash

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 2,156

Likes: 273

From: Dunedin NZ.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottd

The engine is pretty much stock 350/300 but is not the original, the only changes that have been made that I know of are "shorty" headers fitted by the PO because one of the cast iron manifolds cracked and I fitted a Performer EPS inlet manifold in place of the Torker 1 that was fitted. The carb is an old Holley (older than the car). Pistons are flat tops, I have reconfigured the Ignition timing to Lars spec.
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.

Dec 26, 2013 | 09:50 PM

garygnu

Burning Brakes

Joined: Sep 2012

Posts: 818

Likes: 0

From: coon rapids mn

compcam ex268h will meet your needs .there a few other cam companies with some small duration cams with good lobe designs .

Dec 26, 2013 | 09:53 PM

bluedawg

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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Dec 26, 2013 | 10:09 PM

scottyp99

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

Dec 26, 2013 | 10:54 PM

#10

cv67

Team Owner

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 81,241

Likes: 3,062

From: altered state

St. Jude Donor '05

Do they still make the high energy 268?
A 262 would really help if he doesnt want a lumpy idle torque would be good

Dec 27, 2013 | 12:22 AM

#11

63mako

Race Director

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 10,674

Likes: 121

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.