what cam to run in a sbc 350?

[sdvratrod]

i am working on a project and i have a 87-96 sbc 350 in a 53 chevy truck, the motor is suppost to be all stock and i want to put a small cam in it to sound a little better and to give it a tad more power but mainly going for the sound since i will not be racing the truck or anything. i am not wanting a big overkill cam that i will need to start changing the valvesprings and compression and all that just something simple. now it has a 700r4 trans with stock converter and i am wondering what is the best cam for sound and mild power gains without having to put a stall converter in it if its even possible? there are soo many cam options out there i dont even know where to start so i figured someone else might have some insight on this. thanks

[OrrieG]

Somebody more familar with the later model engines will need to chime in. The "292" type cams have always been my mild hop it up go to cam for the old school engines I run. Decide how you are going to use the truck and start looking for cams with the characteristics to match. Higher RPM freeway flyer vs. boulevard cruiser have different needs. My truck has one that leans toward low rpm torque for off-roading, the Chevelle has a sweet spot in the 70-90 mph range.

[pbeguy]

The ZZ4 kit is a good setup if that happens to be a roller block.

[sdvratrod]

i will be using the truck to run around town most the time with the highway driving to shows and events couple times a year. so id like to see the power gains in the lower end range of the rpms.

[xaircav]

Originally Posted by sdvratrod

i will be using the truck to run around town most the time with the highway driving to shows and events couple times a year. so id like to see the power gains in the lower end range of the rpms.

I think the Edlebrock Performer #2102 204/214 will meet your needs. Summit K1102 has the same specs. If it is a roller cam block I agree with the ZZ4 choice.

[53chevyforever]

Originally Posted by sdvratrod

i am working on a project and i have a 87-96 sbc 350 in a 53 chevy truck, the motor is suppost to be all stock and i want to put a small cam in it to sound a little better and to give it a tad more power but mainly going for the sound since i will not be racing the truck or anything. i am not wanting a big overkill cam that i will need to start changing the valvesprings and compression and all that just something simple. now it has a 700r4 trans with stock converter and i am wondering what is the best cam for sound and mild power gains without having to put a stall converter in it if its even possible? there are soo many cam options out there i dont even know where to start so i figured someone else might have some insight on this. thanks

A 268 comp cam hydraulic has a good lopey idle and sounds good....has over 15 inches of vacuum and will run with stock valve springs if you don't try to over rev it. Roller cams such as the zz4 are great but lots more expensive.

[sdvratrod]

These cams mentioned, will any of them be usable with a stock converter or will i need to get a stall?

[whitedog76]

The Edelbrock/Summitt cam will work good with the stock converter.

I've used that grind in a 305 before, I've also use a similar grind in a 302 Ford. You'll be happy with it. It has a slight off idle rumble, but smooths out around 1000 RPM. It's great for towing/cruising. The Ford Engine is what surprised me, it seriously woke up. It pulled extremely hard all the way through the RPM band.

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by 53chevyforever

A 268 comp cam hydraulic has a good lopey idle and sounds good....has over 15 inches of vacuum and will run with stock valve springs if you don't try to over rev it. Roller cams such as the zz4 are great but lots more expensive.

I've run one of those before and really liked it.

[sdvratrod]

Will the 268 comp cam work on a stock converter?

[Red Foreman]

I've used a Comp 268 in a 350 with 9:1cr with great results, std Converter.

[dubie]

I am running a Comp 270 cam in my 350 with a stock converter and no problems. I ran the exhaust with 2-1/2" pipe, Magnaflow muffler and 4" megaphone tips. Here's a short clip of it at idle and then at 2500 rpm

Magnaflow mufflers on my 56 Chevy pickup - YouTube

[sdvratrod]

i looked up the comp 268 specs and found this lunati cam that is similar and price is alot better. i called lunati and tech guy told me this cam will work fine with what i want to do. so for the price i think im gonna go with this one, has power range from 1500-5500 which is same as the comp 268

http://www.ebay.com/itm/200801084744...84.m1423.l2649

[Coach529]

Originally Posted by dubie

I am running a Comp 270 cam in my 350 with a stock converter and no problems. I ran the exhaust with 2-1/2" pipe, Magnaflow muffler and 4" megaphone tips. Here's a short clip of it at idle and then at 2500 rpm

Magnaflow mufflers on my 56 Chevy pickup - YouTube

Nice....I will be copying your set up!!

[dubie]

right on man! It's just loud enough for me. It gives off a nice lumpy rumble at idle and has a decent bark when the rpm's get into the power band range

[Coach529]

Originally Posted by dubie

right on man! It's just loud enough for me. It gives off a nice lumpy rumble at idle and has a decent bark when the rpm's get into the power band range

Exactly what I am looking for.

Your motor pretty stock otherwise?

[dubie]

The heads and intake have been port matched, roller rockers and the cam. The exhaust is running through stock ram horns.

[Coach529]

Originally Posted by dubie

The heads and intake have been port matched, roller rockers and the cam. The exhaust is running through stock ram horns.

Sounds healthy.

[53chevyforever]

Originally Posted by sdvratrod

i am working on a project and i have a 87-96 sbc 350 in a 53 chevy truck, the motor is suppost to be all stock and i want to put a small cam in it to sound a little better and to give it a tad more power but mainly going for the sound since i will not be racing the truck or anything. i am not wanting a big overkill cam that i will need to start changing the valvesprings and compression and all that just something simple. now it has a 700r4 trans with stock converter and i am wondering what is the best cam for sound and mild power gains without having to put a stall converter in it if its even possible? there are soo many cam options out there i dont even know where to start so i figured someone else might have some insight on this. thanks

1958 Chevrolet Apache 3100 Truck - YouTube

268 comp cam

[sdvratrod]

What exhaust setup are you running? Thats exactly how i want mine to sound.

[roger55]

I like the old factory 350HP 327 cam from the 60's. Part #3863151. This was a very popular cam to put in 350s.

Advance it 4 degrees and combine it with a good dual plane manifold and Holley 650 double pumper. Do a mild pocket porting and matching on the heads with full-length headers and you should have a very strong runner.

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by 53chevyforever

A 268 comp cam hydraulic has a good lopey idle and sounds good....has over 15 inches of vacuum and will run with stock valve springs if you don't try to over rev it. Roller cams such as the zz4 are great but lots more expensive.

I had one in a 350 in a 1 ton 4x4 crew cab and it pulled like crazy in that engine and had that serious sound to it but was totally drivable. I've still got the cam and it will go in another small block one of these days. Cracked head and the engine hydraulic-ed and bent a rod.

The higher performance mid 70's and 80's Z28 cams work pretty good too and usually are real affordable at a GM performance dealer.