I know this has probably been asked a bunch of times, but I searched and didn't find all the answers I need.

I'm trying to figure out what cam to run in the engine I'm building. I want to keep fuel injection, although not the stock TBI. I would like to know from the people that run a CompuCam 2040 if it has been a good cam, or if I should go for something else such as the LT4 hotcam. From what I understand, I want a cam with around 112* lobe seperation to keep the vaccum up at idle.
Can any other cams be suggested?
I'm going to do some custom tuning to the fuel injectionssystems, or make my own system if I get the time. I want something that will not be very difficult or impossible to tune, yet still get alot of power.

Engine:
355 4 bolt main (non roller block)
vortec heads (will have to machine for over .450" lift)
summit stage 2 rods
GM forged steel crank
speedpro Forged flat-top pistons
9.5 - 9.6:1 compression
Edelbrock airgap manifold ( I think, havn't bought this yet)
Some form of fuel injection. Thinking a custom system using the holley 900cfm 4bbl TBI , or aftermarket system.
Looking for well over 300hp

Thanks alot!

 

if you want something that is not that bad to tune go with an LT1/LT4 cam. The next step in difficultly to tune would probably be a ZZ4 cam. If i didnt have to worry about emissions i would gow with the ZZ4. Do a search and see what comes up, i think a few people have done this to TBI engines.

 

On the LT1/LT4 cam note ( I would probably go LT4 hotcam if I did), they were designed to be used in a factory roller cam block. Could I use one in a non-roller block if I use aftermarket roller lifters? Do I need that trust plate to use the cam? Or is it not even possible to do. Also, can I use the standard distributor gear with these cams?

Thanks again

 

I'm using the Compucam 2030 in a roller cam block 350.
The 2040 would probably be good as well.
(2030HR is 116 degrees of Lobe Separation, so makes great vacuum)
It's making 317 hp (flywheel) with just a Edelbrock Performer tbi intake and Turbo City Throttle Body and afpr (custom chip)
-Rich-

 

Crane cams selsl retro roller lifter kits that you can use on non roller blocks but are 400 a set, but would be a must if you decide on a roller setup.

 

Go with the zz4 cam.

 

Can you tell me why JPrevost?

 

You'll make near if not more than 400hp with it. The zz4 cam is a great all around cam and is still efi friendly. GM did their homework. Proof is the power they make with crappy stock vette heads (you'll make more with the vortec heads) and that it was actually a legal upgrade to the thirdgen camaro's for a short while. Obviously because it had all emissions equipment tested and working but you could still get a zz4 camed vortec motor to pass the sniff tests, just takes some creative problem solving

 

Thanks alot!
On that note, I think I will be going with the ZZ4 cam

 

About that ZZ4 camshaft . . . It's a roller camshaft, so can I use any roller lifters with it? And does it need the thrust plate, like my 305 roller-cam block has?

I just noticed that GM has a roller lifter set that are not too expensive. Are these good?

 

you have a non roller block, you could get those lifters but im pretty sure you need to have the block worked in order to use them.

 

rich,

you've actually pulled the engine and run it on a dyno?

is it a 305? can you lay out all of the mods?

where did peak hp fall and how about torque?

 

his engine is a L05 350 (roller) and im assuming stock heads.

 

That's what I was afraid of . . .
The roller conversion kits are too much, and I'd rather not do more to the block then I have to. I think I need to find a flat tappet cam.
Hmmm
The search continues

 

truckman what year is your 350?

 

yeah, if you already have a non roller block, it probably wouldnt be worth all that money to switch to a roller cam setup.

 

If it's a LO5, there's a good possibility it's a roller block. Check the casting number to find out for sure.

www.Mortec.com

I have an LO5 block and it has all the things for a roller cam. I just need the hardware to put a roller cam in (like the stuff out of my LO3 )

14093638...350...87-95...2 or 4...Roller or flat tappet cam one-piece rear seal

Even though it may have a flat tappet cam doesn't mean the block isn't set up for a roller cam.

 

Wouldn't the most definate way to tell is to pull the intake and see if there are bolt holes drilled into the area above the camshaft?

 

It's a 1978 block from a full size pickup, the old style blocks with 2 peice rear main (were they the only vehicals with 4 bolt mains?) It has no provisions for a roller cam. I don't think the benifits from retrofitting a roller setup are worth the money. I'm going to be running short by the time I'm done anyway
I may go with a crane compucam (or whatever they are called now) because I havn't heard anything negative about them.

 

just like my l05 it came out of a 94 silverado and was made for roller cam but came from factory with flat tappet cam.

 

Yep
A 350 Caprice Short Block (new) and Stock Heads and
Crane Compucam 2030 (real mild HR cam)
Passes Smog in CA as a 305.

Peak HP at only 4500 and peak torque at 2500.
Dynoed before putting it in (since a friend of mine works at place that has one)

-Rich-

 

Ok, I think I have decided to go with the compucam (or Powermax as it's now called).
Now I'm trying to decided between the 2040 and 2050 series. This is not going to see the track but maybe 4 times a year (on test and tune night), so I want a streetable engine with lots of power but with a good amount of low end torque.
I'm leaning toward the 2040 and using 1.6 roller rockers. This is going to have a 6 speed tranny and i'm keeping my 3.73:1 gears (at least until I kill my 10 bolt)
Any other opinions or suggestions on my cam choice?

 

So if I have a 91 350, it is a roller block, just with a flat cam?

 

So if I have a 91 350, it is a roller block, just with a flat cam?

 

What's the casting number? That's the only real way to tell. Don't assume because it's a newer block with a 1 pc rear main seal, that it's set up for a roller cam.

Assume (***-u-me) ... If you assume, you can make an *** out of u and me

Also don't assume that even if the casting number says it's a set up for a roller cam, that the drilling and tapping have been done. The bungs may be there, but aren't prepared for a bolt. (i.e., it's not yet a 'bung-hole' )

 

I do like the 2030 cam. It does produce good power, has been very reliable even after the abuse I give it every day. Unfortunately, the computer doesn't like my motor too well, and doesn't get along with it even after changing everything I could to get it to talk right.
I'm hoping to try the Caprice chip sometime, and would like to hear from you Jon.....
I have changed the ESC module to the one for the Caprice 350 and that has eliminated (for the most part) the code 43. It still comes up on occasion, and I have the timing set about 4 degrees advanced. That is where the computer is the most comfortable with the engine.
My next step is to try that Caprice rom and see if that will help me out. It's probably what I've needed since the beginning.
Hope you read this Jon, and get back in touch with me.

 

Here is the recomendation Comp Cams sent me.
Let me know what you all think:

Carl,

The camshaft I would use with this is a part number 12-262-4. I have included the specs to the camshaft below.

SPEC CARD INQUIRY

PART NUMBER 12-262-4
ENGINE SMALL BLOCK CHEVY 265-400
GRIND # CS XE262H-14
DESCRIPTION COMP. FLAT TAPPET CAM
INT EXH
VALVE ADJUSTMENT HYD HYD0
GROSS VALVE LIFT .464 .470
DURATION AT
.006 TAPPET LIFT 262 270
VALVE TIMING OPEN CLOSE
AT .006 INT 21 61
EXH 73 17

THESE SPECS ARE FOR CAM INSTALLED
AT 110 INT C/L
INT EXH
DUR AT .050 218 224
LOBE LIFT .3090 .3130
LOBE SEPARATION 114.0 INT MASTER ID 5442
ADVANCE 4 EXH MASTER ID 5201
RECOMMENDED CC VALVE SPRINGS 981-16

 

Truckman,

I recently built my Xfire motor and looking for the correct cam and heads combo makes all the difference in the world. I imagine you are looking for good low end torque and maintaining fuel economy and driveability. The cam should use a minimum of 112degree LSA for good vacuum signal at idle. How the heads flow should dictate the lift you get. I have TFS 23d heads and they flow well into .500" lift. In order to take advantage of that, I am using a roller with .488/.495 lift and bumped that with 1.6 ratio rockers. I looked at the ZZ series of cams, but since I don't have a roller block, I couldn't use them. The roller blocks use cams that have a "step" cut into the nose of the cam for a thrust plate. That thrust plate is bolted to the front of the block. Non roller blocks do not have those bosses or bolt holes. So I went with a CompCams Retrofit Roller and lifters. I am actually using a marine grind version of the automotive cam since it came with a 112LSA. With a retrofit you'll need a thrust bearing and cam button.