Stock 350 cam suggestions

[Marv D]

With stock heads and stock exhaust a single pattern cam is not going to be the 'ideal' move. Split pattern cams help bandaid the exhaust flow crippled by incorrectly sized headers, exhaust pipes and mufflers. A stock GM SBC head will 'typically' flow in the 195-200cfm intake and 135-145 cfm exhaust (@ 0.06) just depending on what head your dealing with. The small block head target is to have exhaust flow 80-82% of the intake flow. Even though it gets 'close' at .6 lift, mid lift flow numbers are DRAMATICALLY different and the ratio get's way out of 'ideal' . Add restrictive street exhaust systems and things get worse in a hurry.

I don't know where Surgi has the summit cams ground now. Used to be a place in Mi. (gear dynamics i think was the name) but like most of the house brand stuff, I hear he started buying cams from 3rd world left handed 3¢ an hour labor. But like most things,, we don't make much here any more, and certianally not anything from the bottom end of the price range (quality costs!)

Lastly,, flat tappet cams are dated. I don't mean just by lobe design, but the oils available today simply do not support the high pressure contact and wiping effect of the cam and lifter. The internet and real world is FULL of cam failures,, even by guys running premium oils and additives. Every chance they get they remove more and more of the components that keep these motors alive. Environmental issues aside, It's part of the planned obsolesce of the early , inefficient, engines, and to promote new car sales. (not a conspiracy theorist,, this is just fact) Investiment in a roller cam package isn't waranted on a $1500 motor for sure,,, but as things progres and your forced to rebuild,, consider the cost of a retro roller vs the cost of oil changes with special oils and additives. Over the life of the motor it starts to pay for it's self,, not to mention the increased power and efficiency in fuel economy.


All that said,, Your looking for reasons to justify using this cam. Sorry,, I can't offer a single one.

lol but that's what happens when you ask a grumpy old