ok im looking for a awesome cam to run with my hsr vortec build the heads have been opened up to 2.02 intake and 1.60 exhaust ports. i plan on using the stock springs, retainers , and guides i pretty sure the max lift on them is .470 i believe so i was looking into comp cam since they are close to stock lift kinda i would also like to be in the 350 hp range if that matters wanna have a bang for your buck kinda build since i have my son's first b day im planning for him so its gotta meet the budget if its possible

 

There was a cutting tool (in the day, probably still available) that you could cut the stems down...I think there was another to enlarge the spring seat as well, would open up a large range of cams and possibly better/more options for you.

As I recall, Vortecs worked best lower lift (good flow through the 200-400 lift range), but were good through 500-525 lift and made nice power.

Reason I mention a about 100 bucks in tools to mod your heads, looks likeyou have some good coin wrapped up into the engine now, why not finish it off right?

 

Aftermarket cam and stock springs usually isn't a good idea.

 

[QUOTE=8Mike9;5779173]There was a cutting tool (in the day, probably still available) that you could cut the stems down...I think there was another to enlarge the spring seat as well, would open up a large range of cams and possibly better/more options for you.

As I recall, Vortecs worked best lower lift (good flow through the 200-400 lift range), but were good through 500-525 lift and made nice power.

Reason I mention a about 100 bucks in tools to mod your heads, looks likeyou have some good coin wrapped up into the engine now, why not finish it off

What exactly is getting cut down ????? Is it where the springs sit with rockers ??? When it comes to machining i get lost big time

 

Yeah get a set of springs to match the cam. Is this a hyd roller cam motor?

You ported the heads and revalved them, so do the build a favor a replace stock springs.

 

[QUOTE=soarestransam;5779273] As I recall, the was a cutting tool then was guided by the valve guides, and you'd take however much off that was needed for retainer clearance when the valves opened.

The was another tool that (used the same way) that enlarged the spring pockets to suit aftermarket springs. But thinking about it, for as long as these heads have been around, it's very possible the manufactures have come up with a spring that works without modding the pocket.

But I think the guides still need to come down, or look into the possibility of offset keepers...I know when running Chevy valves in a Ford Flathead, they (offset keepers) are used.

Edit:

Here's the tools I'm talking about

 

[QUOTE=8Mike9;5779352]Beehive springs fit into the heads with out cutting the pockets.

 

Read my Vortec build here.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tech...5cu-build.html

 

Ok so i got the guides cut down to have a bigger lift cam installed my machinist said the max i can go is about 520 for lift is that correct ???? Also since i dont have a roller block whats a good cam selection to choose from

 

Well, probably, depending on what he cut, but I think you'e at the top of what the heads will support anyways.

I'd (if I were you) speak with Comp, lunati, etc, and tell them what you have, get a range, ask them for your setup torque and HP curves, let them know everything...running an auto?..will you need a stall converter, rear end ratio...etc.

Let them know the intent of the car...daily driver, drag racer, etc...then mull over the info you get and you'll be better suited to make a choice.

JMO.