sbc cam choice

[rjs53]

Thinking of changing the cam in my 350. I want something that has a little getup and go but want to get good mileage also running a th350 for a trans with the factory 3.73. Was wondering what some of you are using? Before anyone says go LS for best mileage, I might some day but for now I plan on spending a couple hundred bucks for a cam kit. Keeping it simple

[68Gold/white]

Need to know more about engine...
What heads, carb, intake, exhaust.....?

[rjs53]

Ok so the heads are 3998991=1968-76, 307-350ci, 1.72/1.50 valve. 76cc
The motor # on back of block 3970010 on the front pad is V1213TWZ. So I believe this to be a 350. Not sure if its original, the numbers on the front pad tell me they either spent time when rebuilding not to grind it off or pulled out of something else. Other than the timing chain is stretched to kingdom come, the plugs are clean, no oil so it seems to be ok. It has a edelbrock performer intake and a 600 edelbrock carb with 1 1/2" long tube headers. Almost forgot HEI. I have a 700r4 I might put in it, but other than that its poor heads and low compression from what I gather.

[Mike C]

This grind has been around a long time and is the same as the Edelbrock performer. The Black Ice line are more durable coated cams from Elgin and that's the first link. Second link is same cam kit without Black Ice treatement and save $20. With your heads this would be a good choice IMO.

https://www.competitionproducts.com/.../#.XIWsvyhKjIU

https://www.competitionproducts.com/.../#.XIWtFihKjIU

[hjewell2]

Originally Posted by rjs53

Ok so the heads are 3998991=1968-76, 307-350ci, 1.72/1.50 valve. 76cc
The motor # on back of block 3970010 on the front pad is V1213TWZ. So I believe this to be a 350. Not sure if its original, the numbers on the front pad tell me they either spent time when rebuilding not to grind it off or pulled out of something else. Other than the timing chain is stretched to kingdom come, the plugs are clean, no oil so it seems to be ok. It has a edelbrock performer intake and a 600 edelbrock carb with 1 1/2" long tube headers. Almost forgot HEI. I have a 700r4 I might put in it, but other than that its poor heads and low compression from what I gather.

if your looking for sound and a little bit of power go with a 108 LSA 470 lift and 223 or 226 at 50 thous duration and you will like the power and sound. with those heads it will need 36 to 38* timing to make it run good

[rjs53]

Not to worried about sound, just want more than 8-10mpg with the th350, if possible. Alright and 5000rpm

[rjs53]

The cams that mikeC suggested looked like a good low-end cam good for 4x4 maybe. I could be wrong. #sum1103 214/224 @.50 lift is 444/466 on a 112 ls. This might be more than my heads can use. What do you think.

[Mike C]

That is the next size up from the cam I recommended. Chances are the Summit cams are made by Elgin.

Either will work. You stand the chance of fewer issues with the smaller.

We ran the smaller cam in my kid’s 350 for his ‘72 Jimmy. It runs a JET Q-jet on a Performer intake with 2 1/2” ‘Vette manifolds. We don’t have any road time on it yet, but I am confident that we made the best choice for a mild, stock head driver.

[68Stepbed]

http://www.compperformancegroupstore...ory_Code=HFTNP

[rpmerf]

Originally Posted by rjs53

The cams that mikeC suggested looked like a good low-end cam good for 4x4 maybe. I could be wrong. #sum1103 214/224 @.50 lift is 444/466 on a 112 ls. This might be more than my heads can use. What do you think.

This is the cam I've been looking at. From one of the reviews:

Great cam for a budget build. I've run the 1102, 1103, 1104, and 1105, and if you're doing a stock (>9:1) rebuild, go 1102. 9:1 use the 1103, 9.5:1 use the 1104 1105 or bigger for 10:1

Also depends what torque converter you have. From the description on the 1103:

Fair idle, low midrange torque/horsepower, works well in 327 and higher c.i.d. engines. Largest camshaft with stock converter.

[Sheepdip]

Remember what ever cam you choose to also replace the torque converter, the cam people have already done the home work and have a recommended stall that works with the cam.

[Coley]

Given the fact that, with a truck, you are dealing with a heavy vehicle which needs torque before it needs revs....unless you plan on flooring it on the highway a lot and looking to 'wind it out' (so to speak)...and most aren't doing this with trucks.
Most guys want their performance around town at the stop light...and usually under the 50 mph zone, 90% of the time.

So to get more torque...at lower revs, you want to have higher lift on the cam...and less focus on duration.
The 'whumpity wump' sound that a lot of guys chase is mostly a function of cam duration...which also translates into poor low end performance on heavy vehicles, certainly for a small block.

Also...I wouldn't bank on the heads having the smaller 1.72" intake valve size...they are probably 1.94" if they were for a truck 350.
Noting that the motor decodes as a 1978 350-4bbl, Truck (Conv. Cab) K10 to 2500, LS9, 165hp

Coley

[rjs53]

Originally Posted by Coley

Given the fact that, with a truck, you are dealing with a heavy vehicle which needs torque before it needs revs....unless you plan on flooring it on the highway a lot and looking to 'wind it out' (so to speak)...and most aren't doing this with trucks.
Most guys want their performance around town at the stop light...and usually under the 50 mph zone, 90% of the time.

So to get more torque...at lower revs, you want to have higher lift on the cam...and less focus on duration.
The 'whumpity wump' sound that a lot of guys chase is mostly a function of cam duration...which also translates into poor low end performance on heavy vehicles, certainly for a small block.

Also...I wouldn't bank on the heads having the smaller 1.72" intake valve size...they are probably 1.94" if they were for a truck 350.
Noting that the motor decodes as a 1978 350-4bbl, Truck (Conv. Cab) K10 to 2500, LS9, 165hp

Coley

Was trying to find the info on this motor so if what you say is correct about it being the 165hp then its better than what I thought. I had a 76 square body.short bedwith the small cam dont remember the exact number on it, but it was done at 4k rpm. The bad part was getting on the freeway, no power to merge.

[rjs53]

Cams are a tough call when it comes to getting what you want. I'm usually the guy that goes o the bottom of the page when choosing a cam. I'm trying to make something I can drive about a 30mile round trip every day, so I really don't need to get power up top. Old habits are just hard to break. I like the old 300hp cam that 68stpebed suggested but again I know fuel mileage will suffer. Looking at it mikeC's suggestions are probably the way o go. Thanks everyone.

[BlouDon]

Originally Posted by rjs53

but want to get good mileage also

Why not fit a 700R4? It has a higher 1st (more get up and go) and a lovely deep 4th for low rpms at cruising. Mine is lying on the floor waiting for a new TV cable and carb correction kit.

[akart]

Have stock engine like yours. Got Lunati cam#10120700lK 1000-5000 RPM,
213/219 454/468,112 lob sep. Great cam not lumpy/thumpy. I have picked up some snot. $ 191.99 Summit w/lifters. IMO best bang for the buck I'm getting 13 MPG and haven't even checked the timing yet. Have DUI distibutor and an Eldibrock 1405 600cfm manual choke. Try it,you'll like it!!

[rjs53]

Thanks for the info bluodon and akart. I have a 700r4 laying here I'm might use. The cam looks good too. A lot to think about.