Author Topic: Cam questions  (Read 15403 times)

Offline Spoonbill

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 79
  • Newbie
Re: Cam questions
« Reply #15 on: August 25, 2017, 01:47:18 pm »
I am going to just do a edelbrock total power top end kit so that way it is all designed to work together and just not go over 5000 rpm until I am ready to do the lower end. I think that is the most simple and cost effective way to go at this point. What do ya think?

Offline Rattler12

  • Registered Users
  • *
  • Posts: 219
  • Old Geezer
Re: Cam questions
« Reply #16 on: August 25, 2017, 02:04:09 pm »
You're going to pay $650 for something you're not going to be happy with........just send the $650 to me....at least one of us will be happy.
83 C-10 shorty 454, 5spd, 3:73 posi

Offline Spoonbill

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 79
  • Newbie
Re: Cam questions
« Reply #17 on: August 25, 2017, 03:27:52 pm »
I am just going to go with an edelbrock top end package so that I will know that it all works together

Offline Spoonbill

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 79
  • Newbie
Re: Cam questions
« Reply #18 on: August 25, 2017, 03:30:43 pm »
Sorry, didn't notice there were 2 pages on this. If you think going with the edelbrock would be a bad choice what you say to with?

Offline bd

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6600
Re: Cam questions
« Reply #19 on: August 25, 2017, 04:08:47 pm »
What this topic actually boils down to is the suitability of your modifications to the specific use you envision for your truck.  How will the truck be used?  Work truck?  Daily driver?  Weekend cruiser?  Towing?  Stop light terror?  Race track?  Will it be used in mostly flat or hilly terrain?  Realistically, what are the typical speed constraints for that environment ...0-40 MPH ...70 MPH ...unlimited? 

Trucks are heavy and boxy on relatively tall tires.  It takes considerable torque to get them moving and keep them moving.  The modifications that work for a lightweight, aerodynamic car that rides close to the ground don't fair as well, or at least fair differently than expected, when applied to trucks.  The benefit to cost is lower for trucks.  Hence, trucks require a different mindset and approach in the planning stage to attain a suitable outcome.  So, my advice is to begin your project by being totally honest about the vehicle's primary environment and its intended "normal" use.
Rich
It's difficult to know just how much you don't know until you know it.
In other words... if people learn by making mistakes, by now I should know just about everything!!!
87 R10 Silverado Fleetside 355 MPFI 700R4 3.42 Locker (aka Rusty, aka Mater)

Offline Spoonbill

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 79
  • Newbie
Re: Cam questions
« Reply #20 on: August 28, 2017, 01:28:15 pm »
It will be a daily driver and miles will be 25-70 mph. I want more power cause it is definitely a turd from the factory. I am buying a bass boat so I want more hp & torque for that but it will also be used for shows and cruise nights. I am just so confused about how to go with this. Whether to stay with tbi or change to carb. I just really need help on what to do because what I think looks like the way to go I am being told that that isn't the way to go. The reason I was looking at the edelbrock package is because all the parts in the package are made to work together. I really want an rpm air gap intake but that means going carb. Could someone please find me a top end package that will work. I don't even know what direction to start at. Also with an air gap intake it is 1500-6500 rpm range. I just don't know. Please help

Offline bd

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6600
Re: Cam questions
« Reply #21 on: August 28, 2017, 05:49:25 pm »
You need to concentrate on torque.  Realistically, how much are you willing to spend?  How much of the work will you do versus paying someone else?
Rich
It's difficult to know just how much you don't know until you know it.
In other words... if people learn by making mistakes, by now I should know just about everything!!!
87 R10 Silverado Fleetside 355 MPFI 700R4 3.42 Locker (aka Rusty, aka Mater)

Offline roundhouse

  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1474
  • Newbie
Re: Cam questions
« Reply #22 on: August 28, 2017, 07:12:01 pm »
If you're looking for more power
Swapping in a 350 would be a good increase in power
Probably 50 HP and 50 Ft Lbs
The efi stuff is all the same except the 2 injectors

Offline Spoonbill

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 79
  • Newbie
Re: Cam questions
« Reply #23 on: August 29, 2017, 02:09:52 am »
What do you think about going with an msd atomic efi system. I'm liking what I am seeing and msd is one of the all time great performance companies. I'm really excited about this one. Please let me know. Thanks

Offline Spoonbill

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 79
  • Newbie
Re: Cam questions
« Reply #24 on: August 29, 2017, 02:13:00 am »
Sorry, I didn't answer all of your questions. I will be doing all the work myself unless I get majorly stuck

Offline SkinnyG

  • Registered Users
  • *
  • Posts: 198
  • Reducing resale value since 8-track days
Re: Cam questions
« Reply #25 on: August 29, 2017, 01:26:09 pm »
I would recommend staying with TBI, and I would recommend a torque-friendly cam that the TBI can work with, without re-programming.  Any stand-alone computer (like the Atomic EFI) will still need some careful tuning to get the most out of it. You could by a chip burner and learn how to program your own TBI for less than the cost of ANY aftermarket fuel system, and still have any-parts-store-component-replacement happiness.

Once your cam starts getting away from stock, you will also need a high-stall torque converter, which, when I bought mine, comes with a stern "no towing whatsoever."  I still tow garbage to the dump or recylcling, but I'm not hauling another car, or a big boat, and I am very mindful of what gear I am in so as not to overheat the tranny fluid with the heat from the loose converter.  You will also want to be cruising on the highway at about 3000rpm for that cam you had picked - if you have a 700R4, the truck won't likely be happy in overdrive.

If you buy 305-friendly heads, they will likely be useless for a later 350 - it's good to buy parts that can swap around if and when you change motors.

An air-gap intake will be a bit more of a challenge in winter, as there is no heat to help vapourize fuel from the TBI or carb. It will likely run poorly and burn more fuel until it's fully warmed up.  You ~can~ put TBI on an air gap (they sell TBI-to-carb-intake adapters).

If you pick a cam that's a whole lot milder/streetable/trailer-friendly, your costs go way down. With a reasonable and mild cam, you don't really ~need~ killer heads. Stepping up in cam is a big snowball effect.
The Crusty Chevy: 1977 Silverado, shortboxed & dropped, potato-potato.

Offline Rattler12

  • Registered Users
  • *
  • Posts: 219
  • Old Geezer
Re: Cam questions
« Reply #26 on: August 29, 2017, 05:09:56 pm »
Ideal situation if the $$$ were available is 2 trucks....... one a low end torque beast for your haulin and toodling around town needs ......and a high end high HP, gas burning, tire smokin screamer for the "Friday/Saturday" night adventures. The unfortunate thing is you can't have both with the same vehicle.........dadgum the physics of it all.
83 C-10 shorty 454, 5spd, 3:73 posi

Offline Spoonbill

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 79
  • Newbie
Re: Cam questions
« Reply #27 on: August 30, 2017, 02:09:09 am »
So I can still get the air gap intake with tbi? That would be awesome. I don't want to crack the tranny open so no go on a new torque converter. What cam would you suggest and what heads?

Offline Spoonbill

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 79
  • Newbie
Re: Cam questions
« Reply #28 on: August 30, 2017, 05:53:49 am »
What do you think about the fitech unit? Looks pretty cool.

Offline Spoonbill

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 79
  • Newbie
Re: Cam questions
« Reply #29 on: August 30, 2017, 06:36:51 am »
I can't find a single bad review on it anywhere. I don't even think I have seen one below a 5. If this fitech really does what it promises then that is a heck of a price