Cam selection

[Steve A]

I agree with big_mike on the 395 cam (GM 14097395) used in the Ramjet 350 and the 383HT crate engines and less than $200 at Jeg's and maybe Summit. It has a little less lift than the Comp listings above but if you want a little more lift and you're still running stock self guided rocker arms, you could add long slot 1.6 ratio rocker arms listed for a 1989 Corvette. If you're running vortec heads you'll need to check retainer-to-valve seal clearance with the 1.6 rocker arms though.

Funny. My experience with LSA, cylinder pressure, RPM, idle, etc, is nearly the exact opposite of what you posted.

X2

 

[Iowan]

I just put the 260HR in my engine. It has only run on the dyno so far but it had oodles of torque peaking at 450 at 4100 RPM and 375 HP . Still waiting for the seat of the pants dyno, the best kind !!

I chose the 260 because it keeps stock converter and is very streetable and still delivers ( what I need it to ) and I sound very similar to your usage

Your results may vary...

is that the magnum or the Xtreme 4x4?

 

[Iowan]

I have found one video of what the guy says is a comp 258, and he doesn't say what model exactly and it's like the truck doesn't even want to keep running.

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[Iowan]

I agree with big_mike on the 395 cam (GM 14097395) used in the Ramjet 350 and the 383HT crate engines and less than $200 at Jeg's and maybe Summit. It has a little less lift than the Comp listings above but if you want a little more lift and you're still running stock self guided rocker arms, you could add long slot 1.6 ratio rocker arms listed for a 1989 Corvette. If you're running vortec heads you'll need to check retainer-to-valve seal clearance with the 1.6 rocker arms though.


X2

I was thinking about the cam and I'll do a little more research on it. Also thinking about some roller rockers.
I also like this one too. http://www.compcams.com/Company/CC/cam-specs/Details.aspx?csid=197&sb=2

 

[big_mike]

Don't forget when considering new springs and the lift you want to run that vortec heads have pretty tight limitations unless modified. Be mindful of the press in rocker studs.

 

[Tavi]

I have found one video of what the guy says is a comp 258, and he doesn't say what model exactly and it's like the truck doesn't even want to keep running.

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Looks like a pre 94 dash (TBI) which has pretty wimpy compression stock. Smaller engines (305 vs 350) will lope more with equal cam. And I’m sure he hasn’t done any tuning.

 

[slowburb]

I have found one video of what the guy says is a comp 258, and he doesn't say what model exactly and it's like the truck doesn't even want to keep running.

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OMG that thing sounds TURRIBLE. There is no exhaust on it at all. That's manifolds or headers only, and it is awful. It's barely running, which is quite QUITE different than loping. Loping is not a cold start and a low/barely running idle.

This is what lope sounds like...note that it's not necessary to have a muscle car or a 406 sbc, but this is what youtube gave me for a good example of a loping sbc. And a fine example it is.

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Don't forget when considering new springs and the lift you want to run that vortec heads have pretty tight limitations unless modified. Be mindful of the press in rocker studs.

My Suburban is running an L31 vortec smallblock with a 395 GM cam. Also Scorpion 1.6:1 long slot full roller rockers. Also factory press in rocker studs. Also NO MODIFICATIONS TO THE HEADS. I repeat. NO MODIFICATIONS TO THE HEADS. There are umpteen hundred spring and retainer combinations available that allow well over .500" of valve lift on stock vortec heads WITHOUT DOING ANY MACHINE WORK TO THE HEADS. Period.

Cams act bigger in smaller engines.
More compression (with all else equal) means less lope.

 

[big_mike]

I know the 395 and some of the other smaller option cams don't require enough spring to be a issue but since he doesn't seem familiar its info worth putting out there for him to be mindful of. Spring selection is important. Some people think grabbing a set that's overkill is the way to go, some research and do it right.

I did not mean no matter what cam or spring he will need to address the push in studs, just to be mindful of them.

 

[Ed_P]

is that the magnum or the Xtreme 4x4?

It's the first one on your list, i believe it was 4x4. Comp has great customer service, they answer all questions over there. good people

 

[Iowan]

Don't forget when considering new springs and the lift you want to run that vortec heads have pretty tight limitations unless modified. Be mindful of the press in rocker studs.

I talked to a Chevy Engine tech that I got my engine from and he said that .520 is max lift they suggest with a press in stud. Thank you for your reply and concern.

Looks like a pre 94 dash (TBI) which has pretty wimpy compression stock. Smaller engines (305 vs 350) will lope more with equal cam. And I’m sure he hasn’t done any tuning.

Thank GOODNESS, that seriously sounds like crap, but he also drives in another video and it sounds just like that.

OMG that thing sounds TURRIBLE. There is no exhaust on it at all. That's manifolds or headers only, and it is awful. It's barely running, which is quite QUITE different than loping. Loping is not a cold start and a low/barely running idle.

This is what lope sounds like...note that it's not necessary to have a muscle car or a 406 sbc, but this is what youtube gave me for a good example of a loping sbc. And a fine example it is.

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My Suburban is running an L31 vortec smallblock with a 395 GM cam. Also Scorpion 1.6:1 long slot full roller rockers. Also factory press in rocker studs. Also NO MODIFICATIONS TO THE HEADS. I repeat. NO MODIFICATIONS TO THE HEADS. There are umpteen hundred spring and retainer combinations available that allow well over .500" of valve lift on stock vortec heads WITHOUT DOING ANY MACHINE WORK TO THE HEADS. Period.

Cams act bigger in smaller engines.
More compression (with all else equal) means less lope.

I used to have a 400, really great engine. I have 9.5:1 compression in the 350. how do you like the 395 with 1.6 rockers?
Also, I did know about the limitations of a Vortec head, I found out on engine masters.

It's the first one on your list, I believe it was 4x4. Comp has great customer service, they answer all questions over there. good people

Hows the streetability of your cam? Also what the rear gear ratio you have?