Hi,
I'm putting together a Vortec head 400 small block chevy for my 91 RS. I am using a stock convertor, 700-r4 and a 2.77:1 posi 9-inch rear. The compression will depend on my pistons but I'm shooting for 9.3:1. I have a brand new Summit 214/224 cam with lsa of 112* and mid .400" lift. Stock tire size (about 26"). Also using edelbrock performer or RPM (not sure yet).
Now my question...will this cam be okay to use with this combo--particularily with the 2.77 rear? This is a daily driver/weekend goof-off car.
Thanks for ANY input on this combo.

 

Since you're running a 400 I think you can pull it off. Might be just a little soft down low but ought to pull nicely once it's rolling.

 

should work nicely with the 400 and that cr, i´d say rpm intake to match the cam and heads.

 

Will work very well in your 400 with vortecs. i ran this cam in my 350 vortec motor and liked its easy street manors, good gas mileage and overall. performance. A good choice with your mild 2.77 gearing. I wouldn't go any bigger.

 

Motor will run good but the car will be a dog with the stock converter and those gears.

 

Thanks for the replys! I am going to keep one eye open for a 3.08 gear set or 3.27-3.42 rear to swap eventually. I just redid brakes on the 2.77 rear so I will use it for now. This cam sounds good for me then! I want to keep the car mellow for now since the wife uses it from time to time. When I look for a convertor, what rpm range would be good, and would RPM be better intake over Performer? Again, mostly a street/fun car. Lots of questions, just don't want to be disappointed.
Thanks

 

yes use RPM over performer, the performer is a glorified stock intake that's shiny new and clean.

why that cam if I may ask? Seems pretty small for that 400 motor (even considering the gears), and i've heard pretty bad reviews about it. The price is right of course, but I don't think a cam is where you want to save $.

did you mean 9 bolt rear, or do you really have a 9 "?

 

Its a 9 bolt (B/W). In the past I have over cammed a few motors. I figured I'd be better off starting small and working up. I have a two-piece t-cover so changing cams should be pretty easy if I need to later. I've read that manufactors base the rpm levels on a 350 inch motor and that a larger motor can handle more. This makes all the choices a little more confusing for me. So performer RPM would still give me good low end?

 

yes definately on the performer RPM. Remember, vortec style.

well not necessarily that the cam is too small duration wise, but the lift is kinda weenie for a given duration.... And you're right, the larger engine will eat up the cam and ask for more, it'll be like having a 204/214 in a 350, which is barely bigger than the stock cam, hence me saying it's kinda small.

if you just bought it, and can return it, might I suggest a compxe268?

 

that cam looks like one you'd put in a 305...very tiny, if you have decent heads/intake on that 400, that cam is gonna choke the whole combo down

 

woops

 

it's very easy to be tempted to put a big cam in 'er.
With your mild rear gearing you have to think about what rpm you'll be using most of the time. Think about the rpm that you'll be at while cruising on hyway in OD. This cam is not like such and such and cam in a 305.
It is this cam, in a 400 vortec motor with 2.77 rear gearing. it will work fine. If you want a big cam, you'll want to change the rear gearing and converter as the rpm range will be higher. This cam is a good choice for your application.
I ran 13.00 times with this cam in my 350 vortec motor with a th700r4. gas mileage was good. I can see you running high 12's with sticky tires while still getting good daily cruising efficientcy. back and forth to work, road trips, etc.
Try it. Summer cruising looses its glamour fast if you have to stop in at every gas station along the way.

 

Thank you,
I'm getting ready to buy pistons. I will use either a 30cc or 22cc. The 30cc will give my combo 8.9:1 compression, while the 22cc piston yields 9.6:1.
Using the 214/224 cam with 112* LSA, how much power will be lost due to the lower compression? I'm worried that the higher compression pistons will cause spark knock. I'd like to stay with 112* LSA for somewhat better economy. Again, thanks for any feedback.

 

You wont have any problems running 9.6:1. That is optimal really for that cam and a daily driver. I dont think that the 112* LSA will necessarily equal better economy. Lets face it, you are building a 400+ ci engine.

I agree with the above posts though, dont go bigger on the cam without saving money for gears and stall.

 

YOu'll want the -22 cc dished pistons for your 400 with 64cc cylinder heads.

I used KB-168's Keith Black Hyper Federal mogul makes a -22cc piston too