Introduction
Are you looking to upgrade the performance of your Chevy 350 engine? One of the most effective ways to do so is by choosing the right camshaft. However, with so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming and confusing to determine which one is best for your specific needs. That’s why we’ve created this ultimate guide to help you choose the perfect cam for your Chevy 350! Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or just starting out, we’ll break down everything you need to know about camshafts, including what to look for and how to make an informed decision. So let’s dive in and get ready to rev up your engine like never before!
What to Look for in a Camshaft
When choosing a camshaft for your Chevy 350 engine, it is essential to consider several factors. First and foremost, you need to define the purpose of your vehicle. Is it intended for street driving or racing? The type of camshaft that works best will depend on the answer to this question.
Next, you need to look at lift and duration. Lift refers to how far the valve opens during operation while duration refers to how long the valve stays open. A higher lift means more air can flow into the engine, which translates into more power. Longer duration allows more time for air intake but can sacrifice low-end torque.
Another factor is lobe separation, which determines when each exhaust and intake valves operate in relation to one another. Narrower lobe separation gives better top-end power while wider angles favor lower-end torque.
Consider compatibility with other components in your engine like cylinder heads and rocker arms as well as whether hydraulic or solid lifter cams work better with your chosen valve-train setup.
The Three Main Types of Camshafts
When it comes to choosing the best cam for your Chevy 350 engine, you’ll have to decide which type of camshaft is right for your vehicle. There are three main types of camshafts that you can choose from – hydraulic roller cams, solid roller cams, and flat tappet cams.
Hydraulic roller cams are a popular choice among car enthusiasts because they offer good performance without sacrificing reliability. These types of camshafts use hydraulic lifters that help prevent wear on the valve train while providing more power at higher rpm ranges.
Solid roller cams are another option if you want high-performance gains from your Chevy 350 engine. They’re ideal for race cars or street machines that need more power and torque output than what’s possible with hydraulic rollers. Solid rollers require careful tuning and setup but provide excellent results when properly installed.
Flat tappet cams are an affordable option that provides moderate performance gains over stock engines. They’re easy to install and work well with most vehicles but may not be suitable for high-performance applications.
Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on what you plan on doing with your car. It’s important to do thorough research before making a decision so that you choose the right one for your specific needs.
Hydraulic Roller Cams
Hydraulic Roller Cams are a popular choice for those looking to upgrade the camshaft in their Chevy 350 engine. These camshafts utilize hydraulic lifters, which allow for more precise valve control and increased power output.
Unlike flat tappet cams, hydraulic roller cams have a curved surface on the bottom of each lobe that follows the contour of the lifter face. This eliminates any side loading or friction between the lifter and camshaft, resulting in less wear and tear on your engine.
Another benefit of hydraulic roller cams is that they can provide a smoother idle compared to solid roller or flat tappet cams. This is because they have less aggressive ramp rates, which means the valves open and close more gradually.
When choosing a hydraulic roller cam for your Chevy 350, it’s important to consider factors such as lift profiles, duration at .050″”, lobe separation angle (LSA), and overall operating range. Consulting with an experienced mechanic or engine builder can help ensure you choose the right camshaft for your specific needs.
If you’re looking for improved performance without sacrificing reliability or ease-of-use, a hydraulic roller cam could be a great option for upgrading your Chevy 350 engine.
Solid Roller Cams
Solid roller cams are the go-to option for high-performance racing engines. These camshafts feature a solid lifter design, which means there is no hydraulic device to absorb the impact of the valve train. As a result, they allow for faster and more precise valve timing than other types of cams.
One key advantage of solid roller cams is their ability to handle higher RPMs without suffering from valve float or premature wear. This makes them ideal for aggressive engine builds where maximum power output is desired.
However, with great power comes great responsibility. Solid roller cams require frequent maintenance and adjustment due to their lack of a hydraulic mechanism. They also tend to be noisier than other types of camshafts, which can be an issue if you’re looking for a quieter ride.
If you’re building a high-performance racing engine and don’t mind some extra maintenance work, then a solid roller cam may be the perfect choice for your Chevy 350. Just make sure that you choose one that’s designed specifically for your needs and consult with an experienced mechanic before making any final decisions.
Flat Tappet Cams
Flat tappet cams are a popular type of camshaft used in small block Chevy engines. They are distinguished by their flat lifters, which ride directly on the cam lobes. Unlike roller cams, they require special lubrication additives to prevent wear and tear.
One advantage of flat tappet cams is that they tend to be less expensive than other types of cams. They also offer good performance gains when properly installed and maintained.
However, there are some drawbacks to using a flat tappet cam. One issue is that they can be more prone to failure or premature wear if not properly broken in or if the engine oil does not have enough zinc content.
Deciding whether a flat tappet cam is right for your Chevy 350 depends on your specific goals for performance and budget constraints. It’s important to do thorough research and consult with experts before making any final decisions.
How to Choose the Best Cam for Your Chevy 350
Choosing the best cam for your Chevy 350 can be a daunting task, but with a little research and consideration, you can find the perfect match for your engine. The first thing to consider when choosing a camshaft is what you want to achieve with your engine. Are you looking for more power, better fuel efficiency or smoother idle? Once you determine your goals, it’s time to select the type of camshaft that will suit your needs.
If you’re looking for an all-around performance boost, hydraulic roller cams are great options as they offer smooth idle and good power gains. However, if maximum horsepower is what you’re after, solid roller cams are ideal due to their large lift capabilities.
Another important factor when selecting a cam for Chevy 350 is duration. Shorter duration cams typically provide low-end torque while longer durations result in higher RPM power gains.
Don’t forget about valve springs! Upgraded valve springs may be necessary depending on which camshaft profile is chosen. By considering all these factors and working closely with an experienced technician or mechanic who specializes in Chevy engines ,you’ll be able to choose the best camshaft that suits your specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing the right camshaft for your Chevy 350 can be a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and guidance, you can make an informed decision that will improve your engine’s performance. Remember to consider factors such as horsepower goals, driving style, and budget when selecting a camshaft.
Whether it’s a hydraulic roller cam or solid roller cam or even flat tappet cams you choose for your Chevy 350 – always ensure it is compatible with other components of your engine. And don’t forget to follow proper installation procedures to get the most out of your new camshaft.
We hope this guide has given you valuable insights into choosing the best Cam for Your Chevy 350. Feel free to consult with experts in case you have any doubts before making a final choice. Make sure that whichever option you go for; it fulfills all requirements based on what matters most – power delivery and drivability!