choosing a Cam and Intake

[xchevyx24]

I have a Completely stock 79 chevy K10 with a 350/th350 i want a little more performance and still be able to pass smog. I am very new to this type of engine I have a 2008 Silverado vortec max with some suff done to it but it seems like these trucks have nothing in common when it comes to cam sizes. so my Q is what would be the best cam/intake for me. What is my best approach to making this engine perform better?

[HAULIN IT]

The real problems of engines of this timeframe is the lack of compression & having poor flowing heads. The carb, intake, ignition & even the exhaust manifolds are not the real bottleneck.
 The best plan would be to put cam in the range of 212-220 @.050 & around .480 lift, replace the heads with some 64 or so cc's (this will raise your compression & aid in flow) there are many replacement heads for less than $1000, adjust the carb & ignition for optimum performance, install a set of headers & free flowing exhaust (what ever you can use & still pass emissions). This will go a long way to help, however it will not run near to the ability of your 2008 truck. Have Fun, Lorne       

[xchevyx24]

im going to start with the cam and possible a holley 600-650. i hear those carbs do pretty good. the heads are kinda out of budget right now. i got some electric fans for it. do i need to replace the lifters,pushrod's and springs with that cam? 

[VileZambonie]

Always replace the lifters. Don't forget timing set either. You can run stock springs for now if you plan on a set of heads in the near future but you're pushing it.

[82k5diesel]

I agree with haulin. Had pretty much the same set up in my 82 swb k10 and that thing would move! If u r just lookin 4 a little more get up i like the preformer air gap intake and the old corvette cam. .447 lift n i thinl 220 duration. Slap on some headers n have fun!

[exilous]

you can usually stay pretty cheapwith the edelbrock performer setup the intake and cam setup is usually a good deal and if you go to summit or someplace you can usually find a whole kit that has all your gaskets for the intake and cam and a good timing set. If you shop around you should definetly be able to do a better cam intake timing set and all gaskets for a couple hundred dollars.

[hilton850]

I don't really know how deep you're willing to go or what your budget is, but for my money a set of vortec heads out of summit (around $550 for the pair IIRC) and the edelbrock performer cam and intake (with the vortec intake of course) would be my choice.  However I've never had to worry about passing smog where I live and I'm not sure if that combo would pass or not.  Either way, the Edelbrock stuff is CARB certified and I don't think you can go wrong. 

My first rebuild I used a Weiand stealth intake and a mild cam - I don't remember the specs - and I got my hands on some 1.94 heads with 72 cc or 76 cc chambers (whatever the big chambers are) and I used flat top pistons and an edelbrock 600 carb and some headman headers.  I built that motor 10 years ago and that is a sweet running engine and will run circles around the stock 210 hp "M" code engine that came stock in my truck.  Maybe you can do a little research and figure out what heads you have on your truck now...it may or may not be worth upgrading depending on what's there now.  Casting numbers are under the valve cover.

Starting with the cam and carb sounds good to me, that way if you do decide to go with the vortec heads you'll only have to buy the intake once.  Check out the comp cams 4x4 xtreme cams...I run the second smallest cam in my 383 and I think those cams make wicked torque and mine pulls hard to 5500.  I also think it will work with your stock heads because the lift isn't too much - .447 intake, .462.  I'm not sure how much lift stock valve springs and guides can take but I'm betting the .480 someone else mentioned is right at the limit....may or may not work with your valve springs/valve guides/valve seals on your heads so you might want to check that for clearance.  I heard Z28 valve springs right from the GM dealership work well with mild cams and they are stiffer than the stock springs in your truck. 

Good luck with the project, sounds fun

[dsims2k9]

I installed an Edelbrock RPM Intake manifold 7101 and Performer RPM Camshaft and lifter kit 7102. They both work fine together.

[malibu795]

I installed an Edelbrock RPM Intake manifold 7101 and Performer RPM Camshaft and lifter kit 7102. They both work fine together.

im running that cam in my 383s.. along with the air-gap rpm mandifold..
IMO that cam is really too big for OEM stock heads..

im runnning 215cc dart iron eagle and 10:1 motor which is right about ~475-500hp