I built a 1996 Vortec 350, everything is stock except for a larger cam. The specs are 214/220 @ 50, .452/.465 on a 112, its a Crane 2032 Compucam.
I did convert to a carburetor with an Edlebrock Performer intake. I know the stock CR was 9.4:1 and I thought I could run 87 octane, but as it turns out I have to run 93 to keep it from dieseling. Before someone gets into the dieseling remedies, BELIEVE me, I have tried them ALL, and the only solution was higher octane. My cylinder pressure is 160psi which may be too high for 87. I know a bigger cam with more duration and overlap could bleed down the cylinder pressure, but then I'm going outside the fuel economy perimeters I was hoping for.
So, i'm curious who else has built a similar engine and what the results were as far as octane rating.
Seems I may have to go to fuel injection to actually run a lower octane fuel.........kinda like the motor was originally designed for.
1
