Author Topic: Camshaft flexibility for 1978 350  (Read 1779 times)

Offline Big10-1978

  • New Users
  • Posts: 2
  • Newbie
Camshaft flexibility for 1978 350
« on: February 18, 2021, 09:12:12 AM »
Good Morning everybody!

I am looking at getting a cam for my completely stock 350 engine in my 1978 Chevy C10 Big Ten truck.  I want something that will work now, but also work with my future 383 built stroker engine with Edelbrock E-Street Cylinder Heads 5089 and Edelbrock Performer EPS intake. 

Plan is to build the motor later, but in the meantime do cam, heads, intake, exhaust that will all work now and later.

1) Is the below a good cam that I can use now and in the future build?
2) Do I need or should I purchase anything else like valve springs, timing set, etc. while I am in there or is it OK to wait for that when I do heads/intake.


Brand:COMP Cams
Manufacturer's Part Number:CL08-503-8
Part Type:Camshaft Kits
Product Line:COMP Cams Xtreme Energy Cam and Lifter Kits
Summit Racing Part Number:CCA-CL08-503-8

UPC:036584068617
Cam Style:Hydraulic roller tappet
Basic Operating RPM Range:1,800-5,800
Intake Duration at 050 inch Lift:224
Exhaust Duration at 050 inch Lift:230
Duration at 050 inch Lift:224 int./230 exh.
Advertised Intake Duration:276
Advertised Exhaust Duration:281
Advertised Duration:276 int./281 exh.
Intake Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio:0.503 in.
Exhaust Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio:0.510 in.
Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio:0.503 int./0.510 exh.
Lobe Separation (degrees):112
Grind Number:CS XR276HR-12
Computer-Controlled Compatible:No
Lifters Included:Yes
Lifter Style:Hydraulic roller

Thanks,
Derrick

Offline bigben5054

  • Registered Users
  • *
  • Posts: 148
  • Newbie
Re: Camshaft flexibility for 1978 350
« Reply #1 on: February 18, 2021, 12:45:13 PM »
The best advice is to call Comp or another cam place and give them the specifics of your truck and what you want to do so they can recommend a cam for you.  They will ask you about gear ratio, weight of truck, etc.  But I'll bet you've heard/seen that advice already.  So, from searching that part number, it shows that cam is for computer controlled engines.  It says:  "Xtreme Energy™ Computer Controlled 224/230 Hydraulic Roller Cam and Lifter Kit OE Roller SBC. Needs modified TPI with injectors, plenum, runners and exhaust. 2000+ stall. Requires custom tuning."  So no, I don't think that would be best for your stock 1978 350 sbc.  Most people will tell you that for these big old heavy trucks, you should aim for a cam that has a power band that starts at idle.

Offline Big10-1978

  • New Users
  • Posts: 2
  • Newbie
Re: Camshaft flexibility for 1978 350
« Reply #2 on: February 18, 2021, 01:05:37 PM »
Thanks! 

I'm more familiar with ford 2V/4V mod-motors and the coyote engine and fuel injection in general, so this carb stuff and mechanical fuel pumps and older stuff is new to me.  I'm wanting to learn though for sure!

Offline peewee0413

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 54
  • Newbie
Re: Camshaft flexibility for 1978 350
« Reply #3 on: May 28, 2022, 02:06:11 PM »
Make sure your head can handle the lift, I'm sure it does, and drop the chamber size to boost compression. I run a XE268 with 9.7:1 static CR. I NEED more dynamic. That cam calls for a 2k stall right?

Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk
« Last Edit: July 31, 2022, 02:53:57 AM by peewee0413 »