Comp Cam
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 185
Likes: 8
From: Gilbert Arizona
Comp Cam
Thanks guy's for advice on heads. One more question. What would be a good Roller camshift kit with the AFR heads for 1969 L46. Not swapping motors or grinding. Just want the bolt on. Already have 750 Holley and Air flow manifold, it's bored 0.060 over. Had too. I'm thinking Comp Cams, but could use some advice. Thank You
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 163
Thanks guy's for advice on heads. One more question. What would be a good Roller camshift kit with the AFR heads for 1969 L46. Not swapping motors or grinding. Just want the bolt on. Already have 750 Holley and Air flow manifold, it's bored 0.060 over. Had too. I'm thinking Comp Cams, but could use some advice. Thank You
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
x2 on Comp, so many other brands that have been around a LOT longer and have a better reputation imo.
The "little guys" have a lot more to loose and imo better quality control.
Isky, Crower, Elgin, (not sure if Erson is around) Schneider etc.
Stay away from ultra fast ramps its not worth 5-10lbs tq that youll never feel for reduced longevity.
Chris Straub and Mike Jones are good go tos for custom cams. Little more but worth it.
The "little guys" have a lot more to loose and imo better quality control.
Isky, Crower, Elgin, (not sure if Erson is around) Schneider etc.
Stay away from ultra fast ramps its not worth 5-10lbs tq that youll never feel for reduced longevity.
Chris Straub and Mike Jones are good go tos for custom cams. Little more but worth it.
Last edited by cv67; Jun 19, 2018 at 09:24 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,941
Likes: 281
From: Was New Orleans but swam to Baton Rouge LA
Cruise-In IX Veteran
I would get a cam from Chris Straub. If you want to buy something look into his semi-custom series he did with Clay Smith. http://www.claysmithcams.com/sbc-350...k-torque-3800/
You didn't mention if you are going 180 or 195 AFR heads, but that could change the cam a little. The biggest thing I've read about using AFR heads is they like a cam with a close split. This is due to the exhaust flow the AFR heads being so good. For comparison I am building a 467 with AFR 265 heads and the cam Chris spec'd for me is a 229/229.
You didn't mention if you are going 180 or 195 AFR heads, but that could change the cam a little. The biggest thing I've read about using AFR heads is they like a cam with a close split. This is due to the exhaust flow the AFR heads being so good. For comparison I am building a 467 with AFR 265 heads and the cam Chris spec'd for me is a 229/229.
Last edited by Sigforty; Jun 19, 2018 at 09:35 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 163
x2 on Comp, so many other brands that have been around a LOT longer and have a better reputation imo.
The "little guys" have a lot more to loose and imo better quality control.
Isky, Crower, Elgin, (not sure if Erson is around) Schneider etc.
Stay away from ultra fast ramps its not worth 5-10lbs tq that youll never feel for reduced longevity.
Chris Straub and Mike Jones are good go tos for custom cams. Little more but worth it.
The "little guys" have a lot more to loose and imo better quality control.
Isky, Crower, Elgin, (not sure if Erson is around) Schneider etc.
Stay away from ultra fast ramps its not worth 5-10lbs tq that youll never feel for reduced longevity.
Chris Straub and Mike Jones are good go tos for custom cams. Little more but worth it.
I'll throw another one out there: Lunati.
I hear nothing but good things about the Lunati Voodoo line of cams, and I have one in my motor currently.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,284
Likes: 1,171
From: Hermosa
+1 on the low to no split for an afr head.
I’m running a lunati retro roller, 270/270, 219/219@ .050 with a 108 lobe separation .549 lift and producing around 440 hp with side pipes.
Decent bottom, powerful midrange, and a decent top end at 6300 rpm.
Howard’s retro roller lifters and full roller rockers.
.060 over is a long ways over. Did the shop check cylinder wall thickness for you? Not many 350s can go that far.
I’m running a lunati retro roller, 270/270, 219/219@ .050 with a 108 lobe separation .549 lift and producing around 440 hp with side pipes.
Decent bottom, powerful midrange, and a decent top end at 6300 rpm.
Howard’s retro roller lifters and full roller rockers.
.060 over is a long ways over. Did the shop check cylinder wall thickness for you? Not many 350s can go that far.
Last edited by REELAV8R; Jun 19, 2018 at 10:16 AM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,451
Likes: 974
From: RI, Now Franklin/Nashville TN
I have a howards retro roller in my L-82 355:
219/225 Duration
.525/.525 lift
LSA 110
Operating range 1,500-5,600 RPM with
AFR 180's and 10.2:1 compression.
I have heard the same about the duration split with AFR's but can tell you my 355 has good bottom end, BIG mid Range, and strong power to 6,000 RPM. If there is a deficit using a split duration cam with AFR's, I would be shocked if there is any real world difference based on my motor which is monster for a SB V8 with 1 7/8 inch Long Tube headers. My builder who is an expert building GM V8's said the difference is VERY small and considering my engine should be in the 440-450 Gross HP range, i would never feel or note the difference on the street.
219/225 Duration
.525/.525 lift
LSA 110
Operating range 1,500-5,600 RPM with
AFR 180's and 10.2:1 compression.
I have heard the same about the duration split with AFR's but can tell you my 355 has good bottom end, BIG mid Range, and strong power to 6,000 RPM. If there is a deficit using a split duration cam with AFR's, I would be shocked if there is any real world difference based on my motor which is monster for a SB V8 with 1 7/8 inch Long Tube headers. My builder who is an expert building GM V8's said the difference is VERY small and considering my engine should be in the 440-450 Gross HP range, i would never feel or note the difference on the street.
Last edited by jb78L-82; Jun 19, 2018 at 01:34 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 163
I have a howards retro roller in my L-82 355:
219/225 Duration
.525/.525 lift
LSA 110
Operating range 1,500-5,600 RPM with
AFR 180's and 10.2:1 compression.
I have heard the same about the duration split with AFR's but can tell you my 355 has good bottom end, BIG mid Range, and strong power to 6,000 RPM. If there is a deficit using a split duration cam with AFR's, I would be shocked if there is any real world difference based on my motor which is monster for a SB V8 with 1 7/8 inch Long Tube headers. My builder who is an expert building GM V8's said the difference is VERY small and considering my engine should be in the 440-450 Gross HP range, i would never feel or note the difference on the street.
219/225 Duration
.525/.525 lift
LSA 110
Operating range 1,500-5,600 RPM with
AFR 180's and 10.2:1 compression.
I have heard the same about the duration split with AFR's but can tell you my 355 has good bottom end, BIG mid Range, and strong power to 6,000 RPM. If there is a deficit using a split duration cam with AFR's, I would be shocked if there is any real world difference based on my motor which is monster for a SB V8 with 1 7/8 inch Long Tube headers. My builder who is an expert building GM V8's said the difference is VERY small and considering my engine should be in the 440-450 Gross HP range, i would never feel or note the difference on the street.
Not to nitpick, but I think most would consider a 355 with heads, cam, and 10:1 compression to be pretty standard, not "monster for a SB V8". I am not knocking your motor by any means, mine is similar (~9.5:1 compression, Brodix IK200 heads, Lunati 268 cam). But I would definitely call mine "mild" not "monster". once you start getting into the built stroker crank motors (383 family, 421 family) you can have a real monster of a small block. Have you had your car dyno'ed? I see you quote that 440-450 hp number alot to people, but you should dyno it so you can give the true numbers, not just what you or the engine builder think it is based on specs.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,399
Likes: 8,204
From: Napa Valley California
Check out Crane cams as well. I've run Crane in many boats, motorcycles, and cars over the past45 years and always been happy.
Consider your entire build when picking a cam, including transmission and rear end gearing.
Even valve covers can be an issue with rocker arm clearance.
Kits may not always be the way to go and you may want to purchase individual componants.
Consider your entire build when picking a cam, including transmission and rear end gearing.
Even valve covers can be an issue with rocker arm clearance.
Kits may not always be the way to go and you may want to purchase individual componants.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 185
Likes: 8
From: Gilbert Arizona
Ok maybe not comp cam but I don,t want to go over LSA 110-112. No 383 at all. Just looking for a good setup for AFR heads and roller cam. Don't need a monster. Some low end torque responsive mid range. It will be Dnyo tested when all is done for sure.
It carries Muncie M20 four speed.
It carries Muncie M20 four speed.
Last edited by bugzbunny; Jun 19, 2018 at 08:20 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 185
Likes: 8
From: Gilbert Arizona
+1 on the low to no split for an afr head.
I’m running a lunati retro roller, 270/270, 219/219@ .050 with a 108 lobe separation .549 lift and producing around 440 hp with side pipes.
Decent bottom, powerful midrange, and a decent top end at 6300 rpm.
Howard’s retro roller lifters and full roller rockers.
.060 over is a long ways over. Did the shop check cylinder wall thickness for you? Not many 350s can go that far.
I’m running a lunati retro roller, 270/270, 219/219@ .050 with a 108 lobe separation .549 lift and producing around 440 hp with side pipes.
Decent bottom, powerful midrange, and a decent top end at 6300 rpm.
Howard’s retro roller lifters and full roller rockers.
.060 over is a long ways over. Did the shop check cylinder wall thickness for you? Not many 350s can go that far.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,399
Likes: 8,204
From: Napa Valley California
Dyno runs for a hp/tq printout are for those who need bragging rights.
Those who don't Need To Know, usually don't care and don't feel the need to bost.
I've dyno tuned a couple of my motorcycles with EFI just to get them spot on and tune the best performance out of the machine, but never even asked what the motor put out or collected the dyno sheets.
I probably won't dyno my 496 either.
It really won't matter what it puts out as long as it runs good, strong and is dependable.
Those who don't Need To Know, usually don't care and don't feel the need to bost.
I've dyno tuned a couple of my motorcycles with EFI just to get them spot on and tune the best performance out of the machine, but never even asked what the motor put out or collected the dyno sheets.
I probably won't dyno my 496 either.
It really won't matter what it puts out as long as it runs good, strong and is dependable.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,941
Likes: 281
From: Was New Orleans but swam to Baton Rouge LA
Cruise-In IX Veteran
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 163
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 185
Likes: 8
From: Gilbert Arizona
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 163
Dyno runs for a hp/tq printout are for those who need bragging rights.
Those who don't Need To Know, usually don't care and don't feel the need to bost.
I've dyno tuned a couple of my motorcycles with EFI just to get them spot on and tune the best performance out of the machine, but never even asked what the motor put out or collected the dyno sheets.
I probably won't dyno my 496 either.
It really won't matter what it puts out as long as it runs good, strong and is dependable.
Those who don't Need To Know, usually don't care and don't feel the need to bost.
I've dyno tuned a couple of my motorcycles with EFI just to get them spot on and tune the best performance out of the machine, but never even asked what the motor put out or collected the dyno sheets.
I probably won't dyno my 496 either.
It really won't matter what it puts out as long as it runs good, strong and is dependable.
My earlier comment about getting his car dynoed (directed at jb78) was pointed at him quoting his car having 440-450 hp all the time, which to me is just a shot in the dark based on what some other motors have done with similar parts. It always twists my gut a little to see people saying "my motor makes xxx horsepower!" when they have not tested it at all, how do you KNOW it makes that power? It is far more impressive to me to see a lower dyno-proven number than an inflated Gross horsepower guess.