Hi all,
I am currently building a TPI system for an 81 trans am with a chevy 350 that was pulled from a 72 GMC truck. I'm looking to upgrade the cam to something that will have a lot more bang. I will be using stock plenum, intake, runners, throttle body, and 24lb injectors. The components came from a 90 Corvette (speed density system). I have a 3.73 Posi rear end and a Borg Warner Super T-10 (code S). I've spent my time looking up some cams but thought I could use some more informed help. I plan to use this car as more or less a daily driver but I plan on going to the local drag strip once or twice a summer for some fun and I always enjoy showing off on my daily drives Any help would be great appreciated. Thanks in advance

 

What heads will you be using and will you be burning your own chips?

 

I have a friend who will be helping me burn the chips. and I'm using the stock heads from the 72 truck.

 

The Accel 74211 cam is a great TPI cam. It is recommended all the time by the editors of magazines like GM High Tech and High Performance Pontiac.

 

I honestly wouldnt go too big, maybe 212-219 or so on the duration @ .050. The TPI unit isnt a high performance piece, especially when matched with stock smogger heads.

That engine will have fairly low compression too. 8.5-9.0:1 I would bet. You have to match all your parts to get as much power as posible with the combinations of parts you pick.

A perfect cam with this combination will only make minor gains. You can get it running and tuned with whatever cam you choose, but you wont see real power gains till you swap heads and intake too...those are your two biggest restrictions right now.

Are you running headers?

 

ZZ4 or LPE 211/219 cam. Something with an intake less than or equal to 212 and a larger exhaust opening. If you have shorty headers, go with a cam in the lower range. If you have long tubes, go closer to 212.

 

The guys above are pretty much right. Don't go wild on the cam. I think your best bet would be to call Comp Cams and get their advice. The ZZ4 would be a good choice except that it is a roller cam and you would have to modify your heads to accept the higher lift. You would also have to get roller lifters and the kit to convert to a roller cam. This would give you the most bang but not for the buck. Allen

 

Thanks for all the posts. To clarify a few issues

I have Headers (leading to true dual 2.25 exhaust no cats)
the heads are stock from the '72 GMC pick up

The option I see listed (minus the ZZ4 for the extra work/money entailed) is the
Accel 74211 ( 211/219 .536/.560) w/ 1.6 rocker 112 CL)


Is there anyone else who backs this choice in cam?


In my own research I found a Comp Cams Cam that has the following specs
"Best Cam for 350 TPI w/ modified computers"
hydraulic flat tappet
#12-402-4 - 212/218 .444/.444 w/1.5 rocker 114 CL (good for an RPM range of 1500-5500)

which one should I go with? and should I look into switching to a roller setup?

 

Good call.

That looks like it can work. Upgrade them now and then plan on going to a performance head at a later date for more fun. Hogging out the intake, runners and plenum would be good. Read some of the articles on siamesing and see what you think there.

 

heads are definately on my list but not in the budget at the time being. I am actually looking at the intake, plenum and throttle body and seeing just what i'll be able to get away with for porting. But right now I'm trying to put things together as economically as possibly until I get it running and have more money then I plan to upgrade piece by piece. I've made this forum my first stop to check out information, tips, tricks, and thoughts on most of it so far and I figured this was the best place to ask for the cam. I was correct and I really do appreciate the help and any future help that you guys may be willing to give. :hail: I'll keep you guys posted as to how my project progresses and thanks again

 

Either way your going to need new springs, but with that much lift on the ZZ4 cam your going to have to put some more money into the heads. Most likely have them machined out for bigger springs, and screw in studs.