CAM size

[jociha]

I have a 85 442 and bought it with a low milage 350 old's motor already in it. It has headers, flowmasters and factory 373 posi. The heads are 3A also marked with 716 on them, i think this is a 78-80 350 motor. My question is this, does anyone know how big of a cam i can install without spring bind. I like the Lunati with a 510/522 lift. I would like to just do the cam lifter install if i can get away with it this year. If i have to pull the heads and change springs i will. Will i also need stronger pushrods? I would also like to add roller rockers since i can reuse them next year on a new motor but i only see 1.6's, are factory rockers all 1.6's? john

 

[DoubleV]

If the cam you're talking about is this one; http://www.lunatipower.com/Product.aspx?id=2349 then you're on the wrong path. That cam is a horrible choice for a 350 with crappy flowing heads and very low CR. You need a new plan! I would suggest a set of older 350 heads which would bump up your CR ( you NEED to measure what it would actually be though )and flow alot better. Then a nice cam would work out alot better for you but, something a bit smaller than the one you're talking about ( actual choice depends on your MEASURED CR amongt other things ).

 

[jociha]

I actually don't care if i pick up any more power, i need a year to build or buy a new motor but want that Cachunk a chunk sound. So how big can i go with my existing springs without bind to hold me over for a year. john

 

[JBreu]

Do some research on the Thumpr cams by Comp cams...You could call them and they will finds the right cam for you. http://www.compcams.com/Thumpr/index.html

 

[Kwik_Cutty88]

I actually don't care if i pick up any more power, i need a year to build or buy a new motor but want that Cachunk a chunk sound. So how big can i go with my existing springs without bind to hold me over for a year. john

I went with a Thumpr in my car and had to go with bigger springs on the stock iron heads.

 

[-83MONTESS-]

x2 on the Thumpers if all you want is sound. They are basically engineered for sound and arent good performance cams.

 

[Kwik_Cutty88]

x2 on the Thumpers if all you want is sound. They are basically engineered for sound and arent good performance cams.

I would beg to differ. While they are engineered for sound they do give a little bit of power and good low end torque

 

[DoubleV]

I actually don't care if i pick up any more power, i need a year to build or buy a new motor but want that Cachunk a chunk sound. So how big can i go with my existing springs without bind to hold me over for a year. john

So you want to spend money ( which I assume you don't have alot of ) on a new cam, lifters, gaskets, new springs ( which would probably be needed ) just so your current engine could sound like a bad *ss race car but actually be slower than it is now, have terrible streetability, and get sh*t gas milage? Does that really sound like a smart thing to do? Save your money. Concentrate on 'bolt-on' parts like headers, exhaust, and intake which you can install now for a small bump in power but then reuse them on your new engine. If you insist on getting a new cam just to sound 'kewl', I would recomend a Thumper since they were designed to sound lumpy without the performance gain of a properly selected cam. I'm not saying 100% you will, but don't be suprised if driving your car on the street becomes 'unfun'.

 

[jociha]

It came with all those things, and no if i need to change springs i will wait. It has headers, duel flowmasters a edelbrock intake and a edelbrock/q-jet 795cfm carb so a cam lifters couple gastets and larger jets about $300. New motor next year about $7000-$10,000, Old's are not cheap to build.

 

[DoubleV]

Olds engines may not be the cheapest, but $7 to 10k is insane unless you're building a true top notch performer. What exactly are you building?