I bought a 98 Vortec 350 that's more or less new. Well, while it was sitting on the engine stand awaiting installation I had the heads yanked off and machined for extra clearance and then I ordered a new Crane cam for it. My only concern is that the cam description read "87-95 SBC". Is there a difference in the bearing sizes or in the journals that were introduced after 95? This motor is still on the stand so I'd like to correct my mistake, if I indeed did make one, before I turn that motor over the first time.

 

i think they should be the same. the only probs that i can think of would be the springs on the heads. maybe thats why they didnt list them for that motor. maybe someone with more info will chime in.

 

What is the part# and grind # on the cam box?

 

The only difference is the thrust plate on the front of the block.
The bolt holes are closer together after '95. But this doesn't effect the cam. Roller cams are the same configuration '87-'95_& '96--'99 Vortec.

 

Here's my valvetrain purchases with part #s. I went ahead and included the specs on the cam @ .050" timing so no one would have to look it up.

Cam - P/N 104224 Grind Number Powermax 2032
Duration - 214*/220*
Lift - .452"/.465"

Valve springs - 99846
pushrods - CRN-10621

I think my cam has probably a little bit too high of duration for the TPI but I think my 2400 stall and the 3.42 gears will help the bottom end from being too soft. I eventually plan on going with a SuperRam so I think the higher rpm cam will help me in the long run. It's a good compromise between bottom end torque and good upper rpm power.

 

Hey let us know how this cam works out. That's the cam I was looking at buying for my TPI vortec L98, but opted to stay with the stock one and 1.6 rrs

What's your timeframe for the install?

 

you sure you've got the right valve springs? I think you need to machine the vortec heads to work with conventional springs... I believe the Vortec springs are a smaller diameter.

Don't forget that you'll be needing the SDPC intake base if you're planning on running TPI too.

 

I've already got the cam installed along with the valve springs. The valve springs fit in just fine and were barely larger than the stock springs on the o.d. I was really concerned when I ordered them but Summit Racing tech support said they'd fit. I took his word and installed them. He was right.

Yeah, I know about the SDPC manifold and I'm not happy about it at all but what can ya do?


Poncho - My timeframe(hopefully) will be around April or May when it will be completely finished. I'm not doing just motor, I'm also doing trans, brakes, cooling system, body work, complete repaint and some other misc. things that need done. The funds are slow in coming but they sure do go out fast!

Edit: If anyone here wins the PowerBall before I get this car finished, I only need like $3,000 if you're feeling extremely generous.