73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Performance => Topic started by: bake315 on March 12, 2020, 01:01:13 am
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So I pulled the 5.7 out of "Felix" ('87 R30) last week, and sent the block off to get bored (.030) and honed. I'm thinking I'd like to bump the cam up a little over stock, but given I'm sticking with the stock heads, intake and TBI with computer, I'm not at all sure what my options are - particularly with regard to the computer. I've been reading that there are some out there that are incompatible with what I have.
Anyway, I'd really appreciate any guidance y'all could offer on cam upgrade options. Thanks!
bake315
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I've got eyes on this thread, have the same question.
I inherited a 383 stroked V8 out of a 86 Camaro. Drove the car prior to pulling- scary fast!
I can't find any information about the cam, maybe pay a shop to measure what it actually is performance wise.
Would anyone recommend I do the same for the heads, performance wise? Measure the volume?
In any event, it's going into the '80 C10 I've been doggin for a year.
To round out the spec's, 4bbl, analog ignition, TH350, daily driver.
Would anyone recommend a particular grind for this app? Thx! :)
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What is your end goal? There are plenty of cam options for TBI engines but if you are keeping everything stock, a minimal bump is about all you should do.
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What is your end goal? There are plenty of cam options for TBI engines but if you are keeping everything stock, a minimal bump is about all you should do.
Nothing too crazy, certainly not looking to make it into a race engine. I figured since I had to go in, might as well goose it a little, or as much as I can without having to go in and change a bunch of things I didn't set out to, you know? I'm just hoping someone could point me to a specific cam that would be something a little more than bone stock.
Thanks!
bake315
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From what I gather, you have a TBI 5.7L .030" over R30 with stock intake and exhaust. If you aren't planning any other changes consider:
https://www.jegs.com/i/Edelbrock/350/3702/10002/-1
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/cca-12-388-4
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-k1102
Stock cam lift for your engine is .2565"/.2690" (.385"/.404")
If you plan to ever make further upgrades down the road, factor that into your choices. Stock TBI heads are awful BTW
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This is tremendously helpful information - thank you!
On the topic of heads, what would your thoughts be on these?
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-162108?rrec=true
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You could run a set of vortec heads and a vortec intake manifold with TBI adapter for about $700 bucks
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You could run a set of vortec heads and a vortec intake manifold with TBI adapter for about $700 bucks
It’s true that I could, and I had considered the Vortec option, but the fact is I’ve already spent a significant amount going in the conventional head direction, and really don’t want to have to reverse course from that now.
By the way, I was watching a YouTube video last night about GM-produced heads, and literally burst out laughing when he got to my stock heads, and proceeded to talk about how extraordinarily bad they were - like the absolute worst of the worst. Definitely echoed your opinion, for sure!
But matters of cost aside, is there any reason the heads I mentioned wouldn’t work well for me?
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So I took the cam into a local cam shop, Schneider, if anyone has heard of them.
Been grinding since 1959.
They said it had low miles, then tested it and the specs say it's a 1970 350 350HP grind. "great cam' was his expression.
Said it won't pass smog, but even in Cali, the limits are ridiculously high.
They recommended a milder grind. Won't go beyond 5000 rpm, but will be snappy off the line.
I'm good with that.
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i'm thinking of changing cams in the 4.3 and i'm hearing that for TBI, going one or two steps above stock, not TOO far from stock is ok. i don't run TBI, but i'm watching alot of videos and that's what i'm hearing about tbi.
Like if stock is 184/194 @ .050 , then 205/207 @ .050 would be ok. But then you wouldn't gain much.....?
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Well, after thinking about it, I called the 'grinder and asked if there was enough material to do an RV grind?
On a 454 that I was forced to rebuild, I opted for a RV grind- I pulled a 5th wheel toy house full of stuff.
Between 2500-3500 RPM it was like I was towing Nothing!
So on this project, I opted for a RV grind. It will be snappy off the line, but won't be the gas suck of a Corvette.