Cam swap - help me decide!
Thread Starter
Member
iTrader: (10)
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 426
Likes: 2
From: Binghamton, NY
Car: 1986 IROC-Z
Engine: 360cu @ 10.5:1
Transmission: T56 - Pro 5.0
Axle/Gears: 4.10 - Zexel Torsen - Moser Axles
Cam swap - help me decide!
I built my 350 + .040" = 360 last July and have been loving it. The only thing I've been told time and time again is that it needs a different cam to really unlock some more power. This year, I'd like to do a roller cam swap on the engine. Here is a spec sheet of what we're working with currently:



The heads that are listed are what I will be using - I will not purchase new heads. They are 1971 Corvette heads. They are pocket ported and have 1.60/2.02 valves.
Rest of components in engine:
- Speed Pro domed pistons, hypereutectic
- Speed Pro Rods
- Stock crank
- High volume oil pump
- 5 qt pan
- Current cam specs are on the sheet above
- RPM Air Gap intake
- Holley 650 DP
- Hedman Longtube headers
- Mallory HEI Distributor
- 1983 (ish) 4-bolt 350
The car runs an 8.8-8.9 @ between 80-82mph currently in the 1/8th mile. It has never been on a dyno.
My question for all of you: What retro-fit roller cam package would go well with this combo? I'm shooting for the biggest numbers possible (hp/tq). If you could, include a link to the cam you have in mind. I'm trying to get a complete breakdown of all the parts I'll need to perform the swap. I'd hopefully like to keep total cost below $1,500. Thanks for your help.



The heads that are listed are what I will be using - I will not purchase new heads. They are 1971 Corvette heads. They are pocket ported and have 1.60/2.02 valves.
Rest of components in engine:
- Speed Pro domed pistons, hypereutectic
- Speed Pro Rods
- Stock crank
- High volume oil pump
- 5 qt pan
- Current cam specs are on the sheet above
- RPM Air Gap intake
- Holley 650 DP
- Hedman Longtube headers
- Mallory HEI Distributor
- 1983 (ish) 4-bolt 350
The car runs an 8.8-8.9 @ between 80-82mph currently in the 1/8th mile. It has never been on a dyno.
My question for all of you: What retro-fit roller cam package would go well with this combo? I'm shooting for the biggest numbers possible (hp/tq). If you could, include a link to the cam you have in mind. I'm trying to get a complete breakdown of all the parts I'll need to perform the swap. I'd hopefully like to keep total cost below $1,500. Thanks for your help.
Last edited by plasmeh; Apr 12, 2010 at 05:58 PM.
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,187
Likes: 42
From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: L92/LQ4 (both w/4" stroke)
Transmission: 4L80E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
In my personal opinion, retrofit roller lifters in an engine with factory heads on it, regardless what has been done to the heads, is a waste of money.
Are those dome pistons?
If you want to go faster, a set of upgraded Vortec heads would yield better results, even with the same cam, than you'll get out of more cam with those heads, and for less money than a retrofit roller set-up will cost you. Add a simple flat tappet XE268 cam, and you'll be even faster.
Not what you wanted to hear, but I have this thing about facts.
Are those dome pistons?
If you want to go faster, a set of upgraded Vortec heads would yield better results, even with the same cam, than you'll get out of more cam with those heads, and for less money than a retrofit roller set-up will cost you. Add a simple flat tappet XE268 cam, and you'll be even faster.
Not what you wanted to hear, but I have this thing about facts.
Thread Starter
Member
iTrader: (10)
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 426
Likes: 2
From: Binghamton, NY
Car: 1986 IROC-Z
Engine: 360cu @ 10.5:1
Transmission: T56 - Pro 5.0
Axle/Gears: 4.10 - Zexel Torsen - Moser Axles
Re: Cam swap - help me decide!
They are domed pistons.
As mentioned, I'm not willing to change out the heads. Some may disagree with my decision, but they are staying (may sound weird, but they hold somewhat sentimental value).
Would my current engine benefit from the XE268? Any other cams to look into? What all will I need for the swap? It will sure cost a whole lot less. Thanks for your honest input.
Any links available for the cam (summit)?
As mentioned, I'm not willing to change out the heads. Some may disagree with my decision, but they are staying (may sound weird, but they hold somewhat sentimental value).
Would my current engine benefit from the XE268? Any other cams to look into? What all will I need for the swap? It will sure cost a whole lot less. Thanks for your honest input.
Any links available for the cam (summit)?
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
[For Sale] 1 3/4 budget LS swap headers NEW (CA)
topteam54
LSX and LTX Parts
10
Aug 11, 2015 07:15 PM





