cam or no cam that's the question
 

I just pulled out a 54000 mile 350 and I am replacing all the seals.Should I add a mild cam while it's apart.A cam kit and sending out the heads is about $500.Whats your opinion?

Re: cam or no cam that's the question
 

Sure, why not? Maybe change out the timing chain and oil pump too while you have it apart.

Re: cam or no cam that's the question
 

There's no doubt in my mind. You really don't need the whole cam kit (the one with the springs and all that). If you're just putting a mild cam in the stock springs, especially low mileage, ones can handle it. I do agree about the timing chain but not necessarily the oil pump. I personally have never seen an oil pump go bad on a low mileage motor but i'm not saying it can't happen, I just don't think it's likely.

Edit: If you're just talking about the cam kit with the cam a lifters, that's fine but I don't know why you would need to send the heads out for that.

Re: cam or no cam that's the question
 

Cam it!

Re: cam or no cam that's the question
 

On the oil pump, yes it'll probally be alright, but being as the motor is apart might as well go for it. It's only about $60 and one less thing to worry about.

Re: cam or no cam that's the question
 

I believe cam kits come with a timing chain-can anyone recommend a cam?I would like good drivability , nice idle, good torque,but I don't want to damage the lower end

Re: cam or no cam that's the question
 

I actually would just get the cam and use factory lifters!!! YOU CANT BEAT THEM!!! Plus the additional parts like the timing chain and why wouldnt you put an oil pump there not expensive and it already has 50000 miles so why not put fresh one two bolts !!!! Just my .02

Re: cam or no cam that's the question
 

I will be getting a new oil pump

Re: cam or no cam that's the question
 

Summit sells a cam that's the same specs as the Edlebrock Performer cam, works well with a stock bottom end. It's about .450 lift, don't remember the duration.
Edit: Here's a link to the Performer cam. Just get the Summit cam with the same specs.
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...2&autoview=sku

Re: cam or no cam that's the question
 

No!!!!! DO NOT put a new cam in with used lifters. The lifters are worn in to the cam. The old lifters will damage the new cam. Put in cam and lifters together. Crane makes one with a .442/.465 split pattern lift. Very nice mild cam for the daily driver.

Re: cam or no cam that's the question
 

I'd agree with 'MYSELF' (the board member above) and put new cam and lifters together. Also for the $ Vortechs and a decent cam will get some respectable gains if you're not careful.

Re: cam or no cam that's the question
 

NEVER reuse old lifters with a new cam, unless you like replacing cam shafts.
The cam & lifters "wear in" together.

P.S. What are you going to do with the truck?
When the PO (my son) had the 350 built for the truck, it hauled a slide in camper & towed a my flat bottom on a HEAVY home built trailer.
He/we had an RV cam installed (I don't know what the specs are), but it has a ton of low end torque, and a little "lope" @ idle to make the girlies happy.

Re: cam or no cam that's the question
 

I guess this is a response from my post I meant to buy new factory gm lifters had better luck with them !!! I agree with you never use used lifters with new cam!!!! Sorry should have been a little more clear!!!

Re: cam or no cam that's the question
 

Shoot, if that's our biggest problem today, we're all in great shape!

Re: cam or no cam that's the question
 

actually that's not my worst problem-I have to decide paint and interior colors,sound system and rims/tires--

Re: cam or no cam that's the question
 

You`re not keeping it correct with the SPID?

Re: cam or no cam that's the question
 

In my opinion, I like Comp cams 12-242-2 kit for flat hydraulic lifters. Good all around cam. You might be limited by your heads though. Just find some second hand Alum heads off CL (L98/ZZ4) for cheap, then you can bump up the compression ratio with different pistons for even more umph, add ratio rockers while you're in there and add a better intake with a nice new carb, oh and headers..........what were we talkin about?
Every time I change one item it starts the snow ball rollin' and before you know it i've spent 1000 clams! But it's the cheapest therapy I know!
Go for it!:metal:
Jay

Re: cam or no cam that's the question
 

I like the ISKY cams I was running the 280 mega Cam!!!

Re: cam or no cam that's the question
 

Just found this!! Its a great read!!!
http://www.cranecams.com/?show=faq&id=2

Re: cam or no cam that's the question
 

With the oil we have today you are taking a chance anyway, even with the new lifters and all. Goodluck breaking in a flat tappet cam.

Re: cam or no cam that's the question
 

Depending on your trans and rear axle ratio, you may not want too much cam.
I have a 415/430 lift cam in my 350 and it has lots of low end torque and a little lope at idle. It is a little bigger than a HO 305 cam that was used in the 90's Camaros. Which was about 405/415 if I recall. Lots of guys like big cams, but you can go too big and vacuum and mileage will suffer greatly. I like to go maybe 2 or 3 profile sizes larger than stock. I run a 420/442 cam in my 400 small block and it runs great too.
As far as the oil pump goes, I would sand the bottom plate on a piece of glass with 1500 grit sandpaper and shim the oil pressure relief valve spring with a 3/16 pop rivet washer or buy the Corvette spring from Chevy. That should do it.

Re: cam or no cam that's the question
 

umm cam or no cam well me personally would bput a cam into it or it wont run with out a cam :)



depends me i'd do cams and heads

Re: cam or no cam that's the question
 

I am going with the same green with white top but I don't think I am going to do the white down the side.As for the interior I may go black

Re: cam or no cam that's the question
 

tomorrow I'm ripping down the motor so we'll see whats up

Re: cam or no cam that's the question
 

Also, use cam break in additive and follow manufacturers strict break-in procedure or you might be doing it again. Comp Cams is very serious about break in with flat tappets.