355 w/ Vortec Heads...will this cam work good?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1984 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Engine: Carb'd LT1 w/ a Cam :)
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Moser 9" w/ 3.75 gears
355 w/ Vortec Heads...will this cam work?
Well im finally picking up a set of heads for my 355 shortblock. Im getting 062 casting Vortec heads with crane cams 10309-1 springs and retainers for lift up to .550 w/ stock Vortec heads, screw in studs, poly locks, roller tip rockers, Professional Products aluminum Vortec intake manifold. This will have a Holley mechanical double pumper carb on it.
Now, the 355 has flat top hyperutectic pistons in it that supposedly will give a SCR in the area of 10.5:1 w/ 64cc heads.
I plan on using the 1.5" roller rockers the heads come with just to be on the safe side, but my issue is the cam. I've been reading a lot lately on the tighter and wider LSA's and im not sure anymore what to think.
The cam in question is a Comp XE268-14.
Its 224/230 @ .050", .479/.480 Lift on a 114LSA.
Should this combo work well??
For reference, i used to have an XE284-10 in my old 355 w/ Sportsman II heads. Power was lacluster down low by crazy up top. I want more of an all around performer now, not just top end.
I also have a Lunati Bracket Master II cam kicking around. Its .515/.515, 246/246 @ .050" on a 108LSA. I think thats way to much cam personally. So, a little help/advice/suggestions anyone?
Now, the 355 has flat top hyperutectic pistons in it that supposedly will give a SCR in the area of 10.5:1 w/ 64cc heads.
I plan on using the 1.5" roller rockers the heads come with just to be on the safe side, but my issue is the cam. I've been reading a lot lately on the tighter and wider LSA's and im not sure anymore what to think.
The cam in question is a Comp XE268-14.
Its 224/230 @ .050", .479/.480 Lift on a 114LSA.
Should this combo work well??
For reference, i used to have an XE284-10 in my old 355 w/ Sportsman II heads. Power was lacluster down low by crazy up top. I want more of an all around performer now, not just top end.
I also have a Lunati Bracket Master II cam kicking around. Its .515/.515, 246/246 @ .050" on a 108LSA. I think thats way to much cam personally. So, a little help/advice/suggestions anyone?
Last edited by Z28 MeTaL HeAd; 08-13-2008 at 07:22 PM.
#2
Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Greater D.C. area.
Posts: 440
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 89 Camaro RS
Engine: LO3 TBI
Transmission: 700R4 => WC T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Open Diff
Re: 355 w/ Vortec Heads...will this cam work good?
Hmmmmm, according the Dynamic compression calculator I used, the XE268 will give you a DCR of 8.6:1. That's running on the running into or very close to detonation territory according to the interwebs. What's the piston CC, deck height and gasket thickness, I'm gonna run some numbers (god bless spread sheets). I think you'll want a SCR around 10:1 for that cam. Or you can run a supr thing gasket and try to the get the SCR up to 10.7-10.8 and run the 284.
#3
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1984 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Engine: Carb'd LT1 w/ a Cam :)
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Moser 9" w/ 3.75 gears
Re: 355 w/ Vortec Heads...will this cam work good?
Hmmmmm, according the Dynamic compression calculator I used, the XE268 will give you a DCR of 8.6:1. That's running on the running into or very close to detonation territory according to the interwebs. What's the piston CC, deck height and gasket thickness, I'm gonna run some numbers (god bless spread sheets). I think you'll want a SCR around 10:1 for that cam. Or you can run a supr thing gasket and try to the get the SCR up to 10.7-10.8 and run the 284.
Im not to worried about detonation as i only use Sunoco Ultra 94 Octane gas in the car. Will the combo of XE268-14 and the Vortecs make power though?
I dont have any headgaskets yet either, i was also going to ask for a recommendation on them. Sonix here said more than likely my compression is lower than what the previous owner/builder told me. Id be happy if it were between 9 & 10.0:1
#4
Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Dyer, In
Posts: 330
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 91 Camaro RS
Engine: 355 Vortec
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: 355 w/ Vortec Heads...will this cam work good?
I am running a similar roller cam with vortecs and the crane spring/retainers. Makes a nice combo for a street machine. Should do well with your 3.42 gear. See my sig below.
Last edited by alvanwie; 08-13-2008 at 10:25 PM.
#5
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Brighton, CO
Posts: 4,345
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: '72 Chevy Nova
Engine: Solid roller 355
Transmission: TH350
Axle/Gears: 8.5" 10-bolt 3.73 Posi
Re: 355 w/ Vortec Heads...will this cam work good?
I don't think that's enough cam, you'll wish you had a bit more duration.
You can get away with a 230/236, maybe a little larger. Try a 110 LSA. With a 224/230 you'll shift around 6k I'd say. With a 230/236 you can probably shift around 6500 and keep your low end with 3.73 gears. What trans are you running?
I ran a 224/230 on a 108LSA in my old M6 LT1 Camaro and it was pretty damn tame.
You can get away with a 230/236, maybe a little larger. Try a 110 LSA. With a 224/230 you'll shift around 6k I'd say. With a 230/236 you can probably shift around 6500 and keep your low end with 3.73 gears. What trans are you running?
I ran a 224/230 on a 108LSA in my old M6 LT1 Camaro and it was pretty damn tame.
#6
Banned
iTrader: (12)
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Bertram (outside Austin), TX
Posts: 12,212
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes
on
10 Posts
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
Re: 355 w/ Vortec Heads...will this cam work good?
You can't get more than .490 (some report problems at .460 lift) without machining. Yes, those springs can handle the lift, but without machining, you'll still have interference problems.
#7
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Englewood, Oh
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 89 Camaro, 93 Cadillac Deville,
Engine: 355 in the camaro, 4.9 in the caddi
Transmission: 700R4 in the camaro
Axle/Gears: stock on both
Re: 355 w/ Vortec Heads...will this cam work?
heres the cam im using. i have a similar setup to what you have in that it is a vortec 355, but i have had all the necessary machine work done to the heads. i too have the flat top hypereutectics, but i am using 1.6 rockers which makes the cam below a .514/.522 lift instead of .487/.490. i hope to have it running soon, but with this setup and a 2800 stall i have been told i will be very happy with my choice since it is a street/strip car. i hope to drop the engine in next week
COMP Cams 12-246-3 - COMP Cams Xtreme Energy Camshafts
qty.
Click here to add CCA-12-246-3 to your wish list.
Add to Compare
Add to wishlist
Image is a representation of this part. Actual part may vary.
COMP Cams 12-246-3
$119.95
Estimated Ship Date: Today
Overview Warnings Application Suggested Parts Warranty
Show All
Brand: COMP Cams
Product Line: COMP Cams Xtreme Energy Camshafts
Part Type: Camshafts
Part Number: CCA-12-246-3
Cam Style: Hydraulic flat tappet
Basic Operating RPM Range: 1,800-6,000
Intake Duration at 050 inch Lift: 230
Exhaust Duration at 050 inch Lift: 236
Duration at 050 inch Lift: 230 int./236 exh.
Advertised Intake Duration: 274
Advertised Exhaust Duration: 286
Advertised Duration: 274 int./286 exh.
Intake Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio: 0.487 in.
Exhaust Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio: 0.490 in.
Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio: 0.487 int./0.490 exh. lift
Lobe Separation (degrees): 110
Intake Valve Lash: 0.000 in.
Exhaust Valve Lash: 0.000 in.
Computer Controlled Compatible: No
Grind Number: CS XE274H-10
Quantity: Sold individually.
Camshaft, Hydraulic Flat Tappet, Advertised Duration 274/286, Lift .487/.490, Chevy, Small Block, Each
COMP Cams 12-246-3 - COMP Cams Xtreme Energy Camshafts
qty.
Click here to add CCA-12-246-3 to your wish list.
Add to Compare
Add to wishlist
Image is a representation of this part. Actual part may vary.
COMP Cams 12-246-3
$119.95
Estimated Ship Date: Today
Overview Warnings Application Suggested Parts Warranty
Show All
Brand: COMP Cams
Product Line: COMP Cams Xtreme Energy Camshafts
Part Type: Camshafts
Part Number: CCA-12-246-3
Cam Style: Hydraulic flat tappet
Basic Operating RPM Range: 1,800-6,000
Intake Duration at 050 inch Lift: 230
Exhaust Duration at 050 inch Lift: 236
Duration at 050 inch Lift: 230 int./236 exh.
Advertised Intake Duration: 274
Advertised Exhaust Duration: 286
Advertised Duration: 274 int./286 exh.
Intake Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio: 0.487 in.
Exhaust Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio: 0.490 in.
Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio: 0.487 int./0.490 exh. lift
Lobe Separation (degrees): 110
Intake Valve Lash: 0.000 in.
Exhaust Valve Lash: 0.000 in.
Computer Controlled Compatible: No
Grind Number: CS XE274H-10
Quantity: Sold individually.
Camshaft, Hydraulic Flat Tappet, Advertised Duration 274/286, Lift .487/.490, Chevy, Small Block, Each
Trending Topics
#8
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1984 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Engine: Carb'd LT1 w/ a Cam :)
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Moser 9" w/ 3.75 gears
Re: 355 w/ Vortec Heads...will this cam work good?
I don't think that's enough cam, you'll wish you had a bit more duration.
You can get away with a 230/236, maybe a little larger. Try a 110 LSA. With a 224/230 you'll shift around 6k I'd say. With a 230/236 you can probably shift around 6500 and keep your low end with 3.73 gears. What trans are you running?
I ran a 224/230 on a 108LSA in my old M6 LT1 Camaro and it was pretty damn tame.
You can get away with a 230/236, maybe a little larger. Try a 110 LSA. With a 224/230 you'll shift around 6k I'd say. With a 230/236 you can probably shift around 6500 and keep your low end with 3.73 gears. What trans are you running?
I ran a 224/230 on a 108LSA in my old M6 LT1 Camaro and it was pretty damn tame.
Im not worried if the cam is a little soft compared to what i could put in, i can always change it later. I was just wondering if the XE268H-14 will work ok with a carbd Vortec headed 355 due to the 114LSA.
Ive had 110LSA cams, they're nice, but i liked my 112LSA crane i once had much nicer. The lack of vacuum in the 110 cams im not to fond of either.
Right now im running a T56 from a 95 LT1 Camaro. I have a stock 95 LT1 PBR rear end in the car too with 3.42 gears, but ive also got a set of 4.10's kicking around that i want to slap in as well.
----------
These heads were on a 355 before with a cam that had .480 lift already. Im not to worried about the 'lift' issues. The previous owner told me that he made sure the heads were ok to withstand at least .550" lift, so its possible he had all the machine work done, or he could have put the crane spring and retainer kit in with the washer set that raises the spring up higher to clear the guides for more lift.
Last edited by Z28 MeTaL HeAd; 08-14-2008 at 06:26 AM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
#9
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1984 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Engine: Carb'd LT1 w/ a Cam :)
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Moser 9" w/ 3.75 gears
Re: 355 w/ Vortec Heads...will this cam work?
heres the cam im using. i have a similar setup to what you have in that it is a vortec 355, but i have had all the necessary machine work done to the heads. i too have the flat top hypereutectics, but i am using 1.6 rockers which makes the cam below a .514/.522 lift instead of .487/.490. i hope to have it running soon, but with this setup and a 2800 stall i have been told i will be very happy with my choice since it is a street/strip car. i hope to drop the engine in next week
COMP Cams 12-246-3 - COMP Cams Xtreme Energy Camshafts
qty.
Click here to add CCA-12-246-3 to your wish list.
Add to Compare
Add to wishlist
Image is a representation of this part. Actual part may vary.
COMP Cams 12-246-3
$119.95
Estimated Ship Date: Today
Overview Warnings Application Suggested Parts Warranty
Show All
Brand: COMP Cams
Product Line: COMP Cams Xtreme Energy Camshafts
Part Type: Camshafts
Part Number: CCA-12-246-3
Cam Style: Hydraulic flat tappet
Basic Operating RPM Range: 1,800-6,000
Intake Duration at 050 inch Lift: 230
Exhaust Duration at 050 inch Lift: 236
Duration at 050 inch Lift: 230 int./236 exh.
Advertised Intake Duration: 274
Advertised Exhaust Duration: 286
Advertised Duration: 274 int./286 exh.
Intake Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio: 0.487 in.
Exhaust Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio: 0.490 in.
Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio: 0.487 int./0.490 exh. lift
Lobe Separation (degrees): 110
Intake Valve Lash: 0.000 in.
Exhaust Valve Lash: 0.000 in.
Computer Controlled Compatible: No
Grind Number: CS XE274H-10
Quantity: Sold individually.
Camshaft, Hydraulic Flat Tappet, Advertised Duration 274/286, Lift .487/.490, Chevy, Small Block, Each
COMP Cams 12-246-3 - COMP Cams Xtreme Energy Camshafts
qty.
Click here to add CCA-12-246-3 to your wish list.
Add to Compare
Add to wishlist
Image is a representation of this part. Actual part may vary.
COMP Cams 12-246-3
$119.95
Estimated Ship Date: Today
Overview Warnings Application Suggested Parts Warranty
Show All
Brand: COMP Cams
Product Line: COMP Cams Xtreme Energy Camshafts
Part Type: Camshafts
Part Number: CCA-12-246-3
Cam Style: Hydraulic flat tappet
Basic Operating RPM Range: 1,800-6,000
Intake Duration at 050 inch Lift: 230
Exhaust Duration at 050 inch Lift: 236
Duration at 050 inch Lift: 230 int./236 exh.
Advertised Intake Duration: 274
Advertised Exhaust Duration: 286
Advertised Duration: 274 int./286 exh.
Intake Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio: 0.487 in.
Exhaust Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio: 0.490 in.
Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio: 0.487 int./0.490 exh. lift
Lobe Separation (degrees): 110
Intake Valve Lash: 0.000 in.
Exhaust Valve Lash: 0.000 in.
Computer Controlled Compatible: No
Grind Number: CS XE274H-10
Quantity: Sold individually.
Camshaft, Hydraulic Flat Tappet, Advertised Duration 274/286, Lift .487/.490, Chevy, Small Block, Each
Ive already got the XE268-14 kicking around and it seems like a good choice...i just wanted to see if anyone else has anything bad to say about a 114LSA cam with a carb'd Vortec setup.
#10
Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Dyer, In
Posts: 330
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 91 Camaro RS
Engine: 355 Vortec
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: 355 w/ Vortec Heads...will this cam work good?
Actually the 114 lsa will work fine with a carb. Less overlap...so smoother idle and more vacuum. It will have a little less peek hp but will give a broader, flatter torque curve. In general, it will still provide good power, but will make it seem tamer.
I would not go larger than a 274 cam with stock vortec heads. They do not have the flow characteristic for running a 350 at high rpm. You will just start losing power.
Last edited by alvanwie; 08-14-2008 at 09:03 AM.
#11
Banned
iTrader: (12)
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Bertram (outside Austin), TX
Posts: 12,212
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes
on
10 Posts
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
Re: 355 w/ Vortec Heads...will this cam work good?
Interesting....I didn't know those existed. Anybody know what lift height they are capable of handling?
#12
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1984 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Engine: Carb'd LT1 w/ a Cam :)
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Moser 9" w/ 3.75 gears
Re: 355 w/ Vortec Heads...will this cam work good?
#13
Banned
iTrader: (12)
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Bertram (outside Austin), TX
Posts: 12,212
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes
on
10 Posts
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
Re: 355 w/ Vortec Heads...will this cam work good?
I looked at Scoggin-Dickey last night...They have Vortec heads, good for up to .525 or some good to .600, ready to bolt on.
Of course, for the price of the .600 ones, your up into the Edelbrock E-tec price range.
Of course, for the price of the .600 ones, your up into the Edelbrock E-tec price range.
#14
Supreme Member
Re: 355 w/ Vortec Heads...will this cam work good?
The xe268 on 114LSA will work very well.
Especially if you do more hiway driving in OD (5th), than racing.
Especially if you have shorty headers and a 2 into 1 exhaust.
Both the XE284 and the Lunati 246/246 bracket master II cams need lots of rear gear and rpm. 4.10 to 4.56 when used in a 350. 3500 and up rpm. 3.42:1 gears are not near enough for either of those cams.
Wants long tube headers and very free flow exhaust or open headers.
http://www.carcraft.com/howto/116_03...ild/index.html
here is a typical 355ci vortec motor using a near identical 222/234 114LSA crane H-278-2 cam. PN 113801 Crane measures their seat duration different from comp.
.004" vs .006"
This cam and your comp are more alike than different.
Check out the smooth broad torque band from the power graph.
I've used this cam many times. Your lil comp XE 268-14 will run very similar with easy street manors.
Especially if you do more hiway driving in OD (5th), than racing.
Especially if you have shorty headers and a 2 into 1 exhaust.
Both the XE284 and the Lunati 246/246 bracket master II cams need lots of rear gear and rpm. 4.10 to 4.56 when used in a 350. 3500 and up rpm. 3.42:1 gears are not near enough for either of those cams.
Wants long tube headers and very free flow exhaust or open headers.
http://www.carcraft.com/howto/116_03...ild/index.html
here is a typical 355ci vortec motor using a near identical 222/234 114LSA crane H-278-2 cam. PN 113801 Crane measures their seat duration different from comp.
.004" vs .006"
This cam and your comp are more alike than different.
Check out the smooth broad torque band from the power graph.
I've used this cam many times. Your lil comp XE 268-14 will run very similar with easy street manors.
Last edited by F-BIRD'88; 08-14-2008 at 09:28 PM.
#15
Banned
iTrader: (12)
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Bertram (outside Austin), TX
Posts: 12,212
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes
on
10 Posts
Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
Re: 355 w/ Vortec Heads...will this cam work good?
What about the XR264HR? Looks like it'll pump up the bottom end a LOT. HP up & torque UP!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Hotrodboba400
Firebirds for Sale
3
12-10-2019 07:07 PM
codeysabatini
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
5
11-10-2015 04:07 PM