Cam selection

[DROLDS84]

Trying to select a cam for a Olds 350 with B casting BB big valve heads.Anyone know the max lift you can run with these heads,just looking for a starting point.Wanting to buy a hyd. roller to work with a 3000 stall convertor.All the cams in this rpm range have lifts around .550 and not sure how much my springs can take.Pretty sure the springs are better than stock but don't know what a stock spring can handle.Have a friend that can help me but he is a BB chevy guy.Anyone know what a stock spring can handle?Was thinking I might contact Mark (cutlassefi) on realolds power.Any opinions?Thanks

 

[bracketchev1221]

Take one of the springs off and check the spring pressure. You’ll have to check open and full lift height to see if you have clearance. Spring pressure will need to be based on valve weight, cam lift and duration and rpm.

 

[84 W40]

Cam selection depends on what is your intention, street car or at the track. What do you have for rear gears and transmission. I have an olds 350 with D heads that i built for the track back in 1990 and lift was .561 on both int and exh with no problems. Its time to take it out of retirement. What ever cam you buy make sure you get matching valve springs and your going to need a edelbrock 7111 intake with those heads. Cutlassefi is a member here.

 

[DROLDS84]

Thanks for the replies.Engine I have is a stalled project I got from someone else.Have all my ducks in a row on it but the cam that was in it was on the small side. 220 duration and .510 lift.After a cam I just need to choose some headgaskets.

 

[lilbowtie]

84 W40 said it all.

 

[fleming442]

Call Bill Travato, http://www.btrperformance.com/ and explain your situation. He will try to sell you Comp lifters for $600, but will be spot on with cam selection. You can get Morel roller lifters from Mark for ~$350.
Bill spec'd the cam for my 468 that does about 500hp w/ 1st gen. Edelbrock heads out of the box. It's a hydraulic roller, 236/242. 491/.510, on a 110 LSA.