I've got a 88 350 TPI stock. I'm ripping out the EFI and putting a carb on. But I figure while I'm at it I'll put a new cam as well.

I really need you guys to suggest me some parts. You see I know everything I know about my cars from my dad. But now that I'm a little grown up (22) and I've obviously moved out years ago. I'm sitting back without the constant help from the pops.

So, beside that rant there.

I would like to put a cam in along with my new carb, intake, etc. Can anyone suggest a lumpy cam with some power gains that will work with my stock engine the way she sits.

Or, if the price is right... Perhaps some heads to go along with a cam.

Just looking for suggestions on part combos fellas, and I'll research it and make some decisions.

Thanks fellas!

 

Stock heads are going to be a big limitation on how much cam you can run. You'd have to have the valve guides machined down and the spring pockets enlarged. After that, something like an XR276 might get you what you want. You'd want a new torque converter with it though.

 

Really seems like I should be going with new heads then...

Perhaps someone knows of a good cam/heads combo?

 

The heads you've got are fine, they're some of the better ones that GM ever produced. They just need a little relatively inexpensive machine work to handle more lift.

 

Heh, the list of things to do is getting bigger. So say I went and got the heads done. What suggestion of a combo can you reccommend to put in the heads along with the XR276 cam?

 

Comp recommends their 986 spring with that cam. Along with those you'll need new retainers, locks, and valve seals, none of which are really expensive. Those are all part of normal head rebuild. You could upgrade to larger intake valves at the same time if you like. Call a local machine shop for prices on the work. I get a standard valve job and assembly for about $100 a head here, but that doesn't include machining the valve guides and spring pockets. It should still end up costing you much less than a new set of heads.

BTW just because I'm using a Comp cam as an example doesn't mean that Crane, Lunati, etc. don't have something equally good. I just use Comp because they gave me a free T-shirt once.

 

You'll want about a 2000 stall torque converter with that cam also. I believe if my memory is correct, power starts with that cam around 1900

 

I do happen to have a 2000ish RPM converter I'm trying to get rid of. If you decide to go that route, PM me if you're interested.

 

There you go, Apeiron is hooking you up with one step closer to your goal!