cam or no cam that's the question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

NYC-10 · 12-14-2008, 12:32 PM

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?

Sinister · 12-14-2008, 12:43 PM

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

Jtrux · 12-14-2008, 12:47 PM

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.

thirdstreettito · 12-14-2008, 12:55 PM

Cam it!

Sinister · 12-14-2008, 01:00 PM

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.

NYC-10 · 12-14-2008, 01:33 PM

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

Chevymann1968 · 12-14-2008, 01:43 PM

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

NYC-10 · 12-14-2008, 03:04 PM

I will be getting a new oil pump

Sinister · 12-14-2008, 03:44 PM

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

Myself · 12-14-2008, 05:28 PM

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.

chevychase · 12-14-2008, 05:51 PM

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.

**El Jay** · 12-14-2008, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chevymann1968

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

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.

Chevymann1968 · 12-14-2008, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myself

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.

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!!!

**El Jay** · 12-14-2008, 07:04 PM

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

NYC-10 · 12-14-2008, 10:11 PM

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

**special-K** · 12-14-2008, 10:30 PM

You`re not keeping it correct with the SPID?

5150.4.67 · 12-15-2008, 01:10 AM

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!

Jay

Chevymann1968 · 12-15-2008, 01:26 AM

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

Chevymann1968 · 12-15-2008, 01:33 AM

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

Pont406 · 12-15-2008, 02:42 AM

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.

justcuz · 12-15-2008, 03:34 AM

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.

**truckdude239** · 12-15-2008, 08:01 AM

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

NYC-10 · 12-15-2008, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

You`re not keeping it correct with the SPID?

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

NYC-10 · 12-15-2008, 07:30 PM

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

5150.4.67 · 12-15-2008, 11:53 PM

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.

12-14-2008, 12:32 PM	#1
NYC-10 screamin eagle Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: westbury ny Posts: 237	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? __________________ SCREAMIN EAGLE

12-14-2008, 12:43 PM	#2
Sinister Between Trucks... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA. Posts: 3,830	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. __________________ Beat it to fit, Paint it to match...

12-14-2008, 12:47 PM	#3
Jtrux I'm a poor spectator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: San Antonio, Tx Posts: 2,287	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. __________________ 2006 Jeep Unlimited IMPACT ORANGE 1993 Chevy 2500 4x4 ExCab LWB 454/NV4500 Tow rig 1977 Ford F100 2x4 LWB 1st truck I owned, still have it!!! 1979 Ford F150 4x4 SWB Built Ford Tough!!! 1971 Chevy Blazer 350 / SM465 / NP205 UNDER CONSTRUCTION Soon to have a LQ4 6.0!!! Last edited by Jtrux; 12-14-2008 at 12:48 PM.

12-14-2008, 12:55 PM	#4
thirdstreettito Resident of Here Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wesley Chapel, FL, USA Posts: 7,716	Re: cam or no cam that's the question Cam it! __________________ ~Bradley~ 2004 Black GTO LS2/T56 too much to list Miss having a truck

12-14-2008, 01:00 PM	#5
Sinister Between Trucks... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA. Posts: 3,830	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. __________________ Beat it to fit, Paint it to match...

12-14-2008, 01:33 PM	#6
NYC-10 screamin eagle Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: westbury ny Posts: 237	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 __________________ SCREAMIN EAGLE

12-14-2008, 01:43 PM	#7
Chevymann1968 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Houma LA Posts: 193	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 __________________ 1968 GMC Rebuilding Stage 2001 Camaro SS SOLD

12-14-2008, 03:04 PM	#8
NYC-10 screamin eagle Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: westbury ny Posts: 237	Re: cam or no cam that's the question I will be getting a new oil pump __________________ SCREAMIN EAGLE

12-14-2008, 03:44 PM	#9
Sinister Between Trucks... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA. Posts: 3,830	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 __________________ Beat it to fit, Paint it to match... Last edited by Sinister; 12-14-2008 at 04:04 PM.

12-14-2008, 05:28 PM	#10
Myself Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Northern Arkansas Posts: 1,131	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.

12-14-2008, 05:51 PM	#11
chevychase Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 476	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.

12-14-2008, 07:04 PM	#14
El Jay Gone to greener pastures Join Date: May 2007 Location: Gateway to the Delta Posts: 7,354	Re: cam or no cam that's the question Shoot, if that's our biggest problem today, we're all in great shape! __________________ '69 Chevy 1/2 T LWB Stepper: Daily Beater '72 GMC 3/4 T Fleet: Another Daily Beater '72 Plymouth Gran Coupe: ? "Ah women. They make the highs higher and the lows more frequent." Friedrich Nietzsche "Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day." Harry S. Truman GUN CONTROL: Never having to say, "I missed you." Always fire two warning shots into your attacker's chest area before putting a bullet between his eyes. Paraphrased from Louis Awerbuck

12-14-2008, 10:11 PM	#15
NYC-10 screamin eagle Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: westbury ny Posts: 237	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-- __________________ SCREAMIN EAGLE

12-14-2008, 10:30 PM	#16
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: cam or no cam that's the question You`re not keeping it correct with the SPID? __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

12-15-2008, 01:10 AM	#17
5150.4.67 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Modesto, Ca Posts: 411	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! Jay



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12-15-2008, 01:26 AM	#18
Chevymann1968 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Houma LA Posts: 193	Re: cam or no cam that's the question I like the ISKY cams I was running the 280 mega Cam!!! __________________ 1968 GMC Rebuilding Stage 2001 Camaro SS SOLD

12-15-2008, 01:33 AM	#19
Chevymann1968 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Houma LA Posts: 193	Re: cam or no cam that's the question Just found this!! Its a great read!!! http://www.cranecams.com/?show=faq&id=2 __________________ 1968 GMC Rebuilding Stage 2001 Camaro SS SOLD

12-15-2008, 02:42 AM	#20
Pont406 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: West Hills, California Posts: 679	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.

12-15-2008, 03:34 AM	#21
justcuz Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Alta Loma, Ca. Posts: 930	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.

12-15-2008, 08:01 AM	#22
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,233	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 __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube Last edited by truckdude239; 12-15-2008 at 08:02 AM.

12-15-2008, 07:30 PM	#24
NYC-10 screamin eagle Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: westbury ny Posts: 237	Re: cam or no cam that's the question tomorrow I'm ripping down the motor so we'll see whats up __________________ SCREAMIN EAGLE

12-15-2008, 11:53 PM	#25
5150.4.67 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Modesto, Ca Posts: 411	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.

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