Tech / General Engine Is your car making a strange sound or won't start? Thinking of adding power with a new combination? Need other technical information or engine specific advice? Don't see another board for your problem? Post it here!

budget build cam choice

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-21-2008, 09:25 PM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
chaoz28's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Pueblo CO,
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 87 formula/69 beetle
Engine: 355/2.1
Transmission: T.C.I streetfighter th350/5 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.73 lsd/
budget build cam choice

i have a 72 "010" casting 350 i want to do a build but i dont have the cash to do the bottom end aside from reconditioning. on top is what i already have to put on.

procomp 210 runner 64cc aluminum heads
dominator manifold
1.5 rollers
a 650 double pumper
i have headers
gear drive

i was wondering if id be pushing it putting an xe268h in its what i have n my daily driver but that had flat top pistons. if the xe is too big for this build what shoudl i step down to
Old 10-21-2008, 09:36 PM
  #2  
Member
 
82Five-O's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 82 Sport coupe
Engine: 355 semi roller
Transmission: TH-350 B&M ratchet shifter
Axle/Gears: 3.73 Eaton Posi
Re: budget build cam choice

either go for that cam or summits SUM-K1104 cam. I've run both and both match your stall and component combo.
Old 10-21-2008, 09:50 PM
  #3  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
chaoz28's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Pueblo CO,
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 87 formula/69 beetle
Engine: 355/2.1
Transmission: T.C.I streetfighter th350/5 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.73 lsd/
Re: budget build cam choice

well i forgot to mention its going into a street rod backed by a t-5 so stall isnt a matter
Old 10-21-2008, 09:53 PM
  #4  
Moderator

 
Apeiron's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Posts: 20,981
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 8 Posts
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
Re: budget build cam choice

The XE268 is a weenie little cam for huge 210cc heads.
Old 10-21-2008, 09:55 PM
  #5  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
chaoz28's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Pueblo CO,
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 87 formula/69 beetle
Engine: 355/2.1
Transmission: T.C.I streetfighter th350/5 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.73 lsd/
Re: budget build cam choice

even with the 1.5 rockers?
Old 10-21-2008, 09:56 PM
  #6  
Moderator

 
Apeiron's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Posts: 20,981
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 8 Posts
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
Re: budget build cam choice

1.5 rockers are stock, it's not an improvement.
Old 10-21-2008, 10:07 PM
  #7  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
chaoz28's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Pueblo CO,
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 87 formula/69 beetle
Engine: 355/2.1
Transmission: T.C.I streetfighter th350/5 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.73 lsd/
Re: budget build cam choice

hmm well this is making me want to change out the cam in my bird too. what should i go to id like to stay with comp i can get them for less than others
Old 10-21-2008, 10:45 PM
  #8  
Moderator

 
Apeiron's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Posts: 20,981
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 8 Posts
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
Re: budget build cam choice

What are you trying to accomplish with the engine? Why those enormous heads?
Old 10-22-2008, 10:27 AM
  #9  
On Probation
 
Atilla the Fun's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Northern Utah
Posts: 6,319
Likes: 0
Received 17 Likes on 17 Posts
Car: seeking '90.5-'92 'bird hardtop
Engine: several
Transmission: none
Axle/Gears: none
Re: budget build cam choice

and does your 350 have flattops or dished pistons? flattops means you're around 10.2:1. In which case, I'd say an XE274 and a 4-something axle ratio.
Old 10-22-2008, 10:34 AM
  #10  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
chaoz28's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Pueblo CO,
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 87 formula/69 beetle
Engine: 355/2.1
Transmission: T.C.I streetfighter th350/5 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.73 lsd/
Re: budget build cam choice

the engine im building is going into a 32 chevy coup. its got 3.55 posi from an old 70's camaro although the 3.55s were thrown in after. i want the car to hit into the 13's but for teh most part its going to become my new daily driver whle i stroke and charge my firebird. the heads are going on it cuz i already have them laying around from an old build that went stray. the block has stock dished pistons 4 valve reliefs
Old 10-22-2008, 12:39 PM
  #11  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (1)
 
Sonix's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Calgary, AB, Canada
Posts: 10,763
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Car: 1982 Trans-Am
Engine: 355 w/ ported 416s
Transmission: T10, hurst shifter
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt, true-trac, 3.73
Re: budget build cam choice

210cc heads on a light vehicle like that are going to be WEIRD. Daily driver is not the first thought to pop into my head!
Shrink the heads, or make it your drag car. It'll be very lame at the bottom end. Cam the crap out of it to make it work. I'd look at an xs282 or whatever the 280ish solid flat cam is.
Old 10-22-2008, 04:12 PM
  #12  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
chaoz28's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Pueblo CO,
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 87 formula/69 beetle
Engine: 355/2.1
Transmission: T.C.I streetfighter th350/5 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.73 lsd/
Re: budget build cam choice

what about the thumpr series cams?
Old 10-22-2008, 04:14 PM
  #13  
Moderator

 
Apeiron's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Posts: 20,981
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 8 Posts
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
Re: budget build cam choice

Originally Posted by chaoz28
what about the thumpr series cams?
A good choice if you care about sound and not performance.
Old 10-22-2008, 04:49 PM
  #14  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
chaoz28's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Pueblo CO,
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 87 formula/69 beetle
Engine: 355/2.1
Transmission: T.C.I streetfighter th350/5 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.73 lsd/
Re: budget build cam choice

hmm no i think ill pass there then lol.. what about a magnum cam from comp ive heard good things about them
Old 10-22-2008, 04:52 PM
  #15  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (1)
 
Sonix's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Calgary, AB, Canada
Posts: 10,763
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Car: 1982 Trans-Am
Engine: 355 w/ ported 416s
Transmission: T10, hurst shifter
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt, true-trac, 3.73
Re: budget build cam choice

they're ok. They're a straight pattern cam though. They work pretty good with aftermarket heads with good exhaust ports. So it would work ok for you.
Remember, a low RPM cam would be a mismatch, so you need to CAM IT UP.
I'd highly recommend a solid roller.

Why do you use a gear drive by the way?
Old 10-22-2008, 05:03 PM
  #16  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
chaoz28's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Pueblo CO,
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 87 formula/69 beetle
Engine: 355/2.1
Transmission: T.C.I streetfighter th350/5 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.73 lsd/
Re: budget build cam choice

same as the heads. its an unused gear drive that is just collecting dust so i may as well throw it n. i dont care if its whiny or not.
Old 10-22-2008, 05:54 PM
  #17  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (1)
 
Sonix's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Calgary, AB, Canada
Posts: 10,763
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Car: 1982 Trans-Am
Engine: 355 w/ ported 416s
Transmission: T10, hurst shifter
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt, true-trac, 3.73
Re: budget build cam choice

i'd be more concerned with spark scatter...
I'd leave the gear drive on the shelf, or sell it... just get a summit/cloyes/whatever double roller chain for $40
Old 10-22-2008, 06:13 PM
  #18  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
chaoz28's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Pueblo CO,
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 87 formula/69 beetle
Engine: 355/2.1
Transmission: T.C.I streetfighter th350/5 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.73 lsd/
Re: budget build cam choice

never heard of spark scatter fill me in?
Old 10-22-2008, 11:42 PM
  #19  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (1)
 
Sonix's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Calgary, AB, Canada
Posts: 10,763
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Car: 1982 Trans-Am
Engine: 355 w/ ported 416s
Transmission: T10, hurst shifter
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt, true-trac, 3.73
Re: budget build cam choice

There's no cushion with a gear drive, to chain to take up the slack, the vibration. It will shake the distributor (it's driven by the cam, which is now rigidly coupled to the crank, which takes all kinds of abuse..) and can cause spark scatter. poor spark at high RPM.
Gear drives are like dual carbs these days. More flash (and sound), less usefulness.
Old 10-23-2008, 12:04 AM
  #20  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
chaoz28's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Pueblo CO,
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 87 formula/69 beetle
Engine: 355/2.1
Transmission: T.C.I streetfighter th350/5 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.73 lsd/
Re: budget build cam choice

that makes complete sense. ill go with a double roller then. but this may be off subject but how worthy are belt drives then?
Old 10-23-2008, 12:32 AM
  #21  
Moderator

 
Apeiron's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Posts: 20,981
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 8 Posts
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
Re: budget build cam choice

Spark scatter isn't poor high-RPM spark, it's variability in timing due to slack in the distributor train. It's not a problem particular to gear drives, it happens with chain drives as well.

Belt drives are just way too expensive.
Old 10-23-2008, 09:25 AM
  #22  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (1)
 
Sonix's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Calgary, AB, Canada
Posts: 10,763
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Car: 1982 Trans-Am
Engine: 355 w/ ported 416s
Transmission: T10, hurst shifter
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt, true-trac, 3.73
Re: budget build cam choice

What's the problem with gear drives then, aside from noise? Am I using the wrong terminology? I thought it can cause distributor problems, due to excess torsional vibration?
Old 10-23-2008, 12:14 PM
  #23  
Moderator

 
Apeiron's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Posts: 20,981
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 8 Posts
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
Re: budget build cam choice

Noise is the biggest thing. Some people talk about valvetrain harmonics with gear drives, but chain setups have valvetrain harmonics too, just different ones.
Old 10-23-2008, 04:11 PM
  #24  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
chaoz28's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Pueblo CO,
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 87 formula/69 beetle
Engine: 355/2.1
Transmission: T.C.I streetfighter th350/5 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.73 lsd/
Re: budget build cam choice

well my main question is, would it kill me to use the gear drive. id much rather spend the 40 bucks on a decent coil than on another timing drive if i dont have to
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Orr89RocZ
Power Adders
206
04-25-2016 08:28 AM
beastin91rs
Tech / General Engine
18
10-09-2015 07:38 AM
gta90
TPI
40
09-15-2015 04:00 PM
camaro71633
Tech / General Engine
39
09-01-2015 10:24 AM
BlackphantomZ28
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
0
08-22-2015 01:00 PM



Quick Reply: budget build cam choice



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:20 AM.