Hey, before I jump ahead and start planning to switch cams, I want to ask what are the logistics involved? What “extra parts” will I need? I’ve done basic tune-ups and carb swaps, never done something of this magnitude, so I don’t know where to start.

Alittle background, I’ve got a 350 and I’m looking for a moderately robust Cam without having to modify the support equipment (rockers).

 

We need more info to help you. What year is the block bc it could be a factory roller cam block or flat tappet block. also what ur heads are bc that will tell how much lift you can handle, otherwise ou may need to modify and/or change ur springs which may or maynot require removale of the heads.
Also if you plan on doing this with the engine in the car the radiator ac condensor and hood latch mechaniasm will have to come off( as well as the usual stuff like water pump balancer and timing cover) in order to get the cam out. I would recommmend changing the valve springs if you are gonna go with anymore than a little increase in cam size, and also change to a nice rolloer timing chain setup like an edekbrock tru trak which is what i switched to when i put in my cam(stock lt1).

 

Well, I haven't stripped down the engine yet so I don't its 'pedigree', other than its a 350 (verified by numbers). The heads are Vortec, that much I can tell. The transmission is a TH350.

I may or may not have my family mechanic do the work for me, though I want to have all the parts on hand before I approach him.

 

gonna be a bug difference in cost and physical nakeup of the parts so i would def check to see. run the block casting number drivers rear behind head or a partial vin stamp on pass side water pump boss this should tell you what year or years it was used from 87 and later have factory roller cams some 86 blocks have the machining for them and 85 and earlier are flat tappet blocks. the cams donot interchange with eachother so you have to make sure you order for the right year.