SBC cam help
 

I bough an engine with TBI and I’ve swapped it to carb for my 57 Chevy 3600 4x4. I want to put in a new camshaft but not sure what all I should replace because the cam in the block is setup for TBI. Because the degree would be off center a little. Would the stock cam be alright? And if I do add a cam, would I have to install new lifters, rods, valve springs, timing chain? Or would simply moving the cam timing a few degree be easier then spending roughly $500 more into a ****ty stock engine. Or just leave the cam alone and run it?

Suggestions and advice would be great.
Thanks

Re: SBC cam help
 

The TBI cams were very mild. Whey work with carburetors but there are much better choices. If your engine uses a roller camshaft then you can re-use the lifters. Truck engines with TBI were not roller cam equiped so if you have a truck engine plan to purchase a "cam kit." If you know the rear gear ratio, tire size, and final transmission drive ratio then you can pick a cam to give you power where you want it.

Re: SBC cam help
 

The block is an 86. The heads are 193’s from 87. So unless someone swapped cams when they swapped to TBI, it should be the stock cam. Which would be a regular ol 350 stock cam (NON TBI).
Gears are now 3.73s in both. Plan on keeping them if there in good shape
Running 32s for now. Will switch to the old NAPCO look later on eventually.
The tranny will be a SM465 and NP205 all stock gears.

Re: SBC cam help
 

This is the look I want to go with eventually

Re: SBC cam help
 

Moved here, as it will most likely get more views.

Re: SBC cam help
 

I like cams similar to the comp 265 in flat tappet, and if your not into messing with a tune. Stay with or below a comp 268 or equivalent.

In today's world I highly recommend a roller cam to deal with the lack of zinc or zddp. Or you should run a zinc rich oil or add some break in zddp every oil change. Which is getting expensive now a days.

Not every engine will fail due to lack of zddp. About 10% have serious issues, and 25% show serious wear at end of life. It is all numbers on cars out of warranty, but under a sample size of 1 of 1. Its your call.

My G10 van has a flat tappet that is still good, and at new motor time it will get a roller cam. As of right now I plan to stock up on zddp additives for future use.

Re: SBC cam help
 

http://www.northernautoparts.com/part/ml-mtc1

I think this one would suit that truck. I have it in my 66. Put a chain if needed and set of lifters with it and you're good to go. Cheap like borscht too.

Re: SBC cam help
 

Is the original flat tappet or roller???

Re: SBC cam help
 

There is literally zero reason to change the cam except you want higher HP. Otherwise the oem cam will work with whatever you stick on top. Carb. TB. Aftermarket injection. Whatever.