[rfmaster]

Originally Posted by 85Bowtie

A 268 cam is fine, especially if you're going to use better that stock 80's heads.

ALL vehicles in CA have to pass a smog test or only certain years?

In CA all gasoline powered vehicles 1976 model year and newer are subject to bi-annual smog inspection. This is the case for the most of California, but IIRC there are (were) several counties (out of 58) where smog check is (was) not performed. I have to re-confirm that. There are also some exceptions, but that's another story all together.

Back to a cam question - I went to comp cam website and pulled specs for XE262H cam (part 12-262-4).

http://www.compcams.com/Cam_Specs/Ca...x?csid=92&sb=0

IMHO, it is a better cam for a spirited 350 DD with stock converter (or even slightly looser):

50-State legal on ‘93 & earlier S.B. Chevrolet V8, 262-400 c.i., C.A.R.B. E.O. #D-279-4.
RPM range 1500 to 5500
Duration: 262/270; at 0.050 218/224
Lift (1.5) 0.464/0.470
LSA 114deg
This cam in 350 with 9.0 to 9.5 compression and upgraded heads (S/R Torquer for example) and exhaust should have broad torque and good idle at 650-700 RPM with about 16 in-Hg of vacuum.

Lets not us forget that the resulting engine combination must pass 2 speed (15/25mph) sniff test and look (and sound) close enough to stock (without raising suspicions from a smog tech)!
Do not forget that Charcoal Canister must be there and connected (i.e. replace all rubber hoses ). Evaporative system is checked for integrity by applying vacuum to the gas tank filler neck and pinching off vapor line at the Charcoal Canister, unless you have dual tanks!

//RF