Camshaft Selection

[brothers69c-10]

Like the title says I am trying to figure out what kind of camshaft to get for my old truck. It's a 1978 K10 and I've had it for 9 years now and finally doing something with it. Had some extra time in the evenings to plan things out and was thinking about the engine this evening. I won't touch the engine till next fall, but just getting prepared. I've been reading articles on choosing camshafts, but cannot find any good outright suggestions as far as camshafts others have used. So any input will be greatly appreciated.

Now for the truck. As I said it's a 1978 K10. Currently it has a 454 in it which I would like to use or I have a 427 tall deck available as well. The truck has a TH400 with stock converter that I want to leave in there. It also has 3.08 gears in it with 31 inch tires. I know its not the perfect combination for a truck, but even with the ol tired big block it scoots pretty good. I want to use the truck as my daily driver and towing. I would like to buy a gooseneck trailer in the near future, about a 20-22 foot trailer, and I want to be able to pull it down the interstate and up and down hills fine. I also want the truck to be around 350hp with good adequate torque. Fuel mileage doesn't matter cause it gets like 7mpg's now. I'm not expecting it to pull like a diesel by any means, but better than any half ton on the market today would be great. Again I don't want to change out my current driveline with the exception of rebuilding the engine. The motor currently is (as far as I know) as stock 454 out of a 75 gmc dually. I would liek to reuse the heads on the motor if possible as well. If there are any other specs you need let me know.

[mopar346]

The gear is going to be the problem for your towing plans in my opinion, I would also rebuild the tranny. As far as cam selection many cam manufacturer have a program that will help you selct a cam based on all your parameters. You can also use a custom grind and talk to the grinder to get the right fit.

[derrickmanx1]

200-210 @.050. With your gears you want it to pull not scream. I'd push for a hydraulic roller for longevity.

[68Timber]

Something like this will work well: http://www.compcams.com/Company/CC/c...?csid=441&sb=2

[meatwagon83]

Originally Posted by derrickmanx1

200-210 @.050. With your gears you want it to pull not scream. I'd push for a hydraulic roller for longevity.

this, you want grunt, and lots of it! something no bigger than a 268 advertised duration or smaller