I finally ordered a cam today...after MUCH debate...I think a cam has to be the hardest single item to pick for any engine setup simply because there are SO MANY choices and options. I settled on an Isky 274 mega cam...226/226, .490/.490, 108 lsa. I just need to get a multi key double roller timing set and I am ready to start putting this mess together. Heres the final combo...

.040 over 4-bolt 350, stock replacement type dished pistons, upgraded vortec heads (62cc, screw in studs and guideplates, 1.46 comp 986-16 springs, clearanced for .550 lift, sharp lip removed from the exhaust ports short side radius and blended), 274 isky cam, 1.52 magnum roller tip rockers, performer rpm vortec intake, 750 edelbrock carb, 1 5/8" full length headers, dual 2 1/2" exhaust with flowmaster crossflow muffler (flowmaster force II system) with h-pipe, 3.73 gears with eaton posi, and a th350 w/2600-2800 stall convertor. The car weighs about 3600 pounds with me in it (est). Any 1/4 mile predictions? I am looking at using 255/60-15's out back and using 26x10.5's et streets (or similar) at the strip.

My only concern at this point is that I would like to use fel-pro 1094 head gaskets for a bit more compression, but am concerned about using such a thin gasket with an undecked block. I didn't build the existing engine...it was in the car when I bought it and it runs great...just not real strong. I figure that the compression is going to end up somewhere between 9.1 and 9.5-1.

Everything seems to match real nice IMO. I can tell you took your time and placed a lot of thought into picking components. You could get away with a 1.6 rocker though with those valve springs - it might be worth a try if Vortech heads like the extra lift.

Dragstrip Plus says 13.5 at 100.6 mph, I give you a little more credit - I think you can get a little more out of your combo with careful tuning. With everything dialed in real good and a sticky track I think a 12.999999 at 102 mph is a real possibility.

BTW Desktop Dyno says 376 HP at 5500 RPM, 375 HP at 6000. 390 FT/LBS at 4000 RPM, 391 FT/LBS @ 4500 RPM. That assumes stock port flow and 9.5:1 compression.

Hey Travis,

I think your combo should run great. I understand what you mean about cam selection.

It's so easy to go back & forth on cam selection because of all the choices out there.

For me, it seems that whenever I find a very close match on a cam, I always start thinking...well if I could just get a little more top end,bottom end,etc. it would be perfect. And the cycle continues.

It's enough to drive you bonkers sometimes! http://www.camaros.net/forum/wink.gif


let us know how your build-up progresses.

Mark P.

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69 Camaro Coup-My Granny bought new in 1969!
Cortez Silver/drk blue interior
327/210hp
Dual exhaust with Turbo Muffs
Now with Pertronix Electronic ignition!
Powerglide trans.
Ugly & skinny tires!
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Search TV Christian Ministry: www.searchtv.org (http://www.searchtv.org)

Thanks for the replys, guys. Eric, I hope you are right about just squeeking into the 12's...that would be great at this point. I really, really wanted to build a 383...I had my heart set on a 10.3-1 Scat rotating assembly but just couldn't swing the cash at this point without sacrificing on my 30x50 garage http://www.camaros.net/forum/smile.gif I was going to "settle" on a 30x40 but managed to save enough to step up another 10'. Besides, I now have a mint 400 small block in my possession...I can't wait to get it built http://www.camaros.net/forum/smile.gif

Eric, did you get that new motor going yet?

Just got it running Sunday. I had a lot of work to do before I could really drive it much. Had to break in the new-new cam with the 986 outer springs then install the inners - not taking any chances at all this time. What a PITA. The #7 exhaust spring was really a bear - brake booster and wiper motor were big time in the way. Had to take apart my spring compressor and reassemble it on the rocker stud piece by piece. Then I put I put my 1.6 rockers on and set valve lash to .022" so valve lift should be .570" - hoo-rah! http://www.camaros.net/forum/biggrin.gif Then my starter crapped out and I had to get a new one before I could drive it http://www.camaros.net/forum/mad.gif

Finally drove it today. Just had my street tires on (240-60R15 BFG's in back) so it was hard to get on it - tires just smoke any speed in 1st gear. Jumped on it twice and short shifted at 5500. So far so good. Will race it Saturday at the all GM "M-7 event" at MidMichigan Motorplex. Hope it all works together as planned . . .

ps. I know a girl who drives a 67 Camaro with a Vortech headed 406 that runs 11.8's on the motor. They're not bad heads at all.

The combo I'm working on is in the same ball park as yours. 350" with about 9.5:1 compression, Vortec heads, Herbert Performance hyd roller cam: 222/234 @ .050, .499/.502 lift, 112lsa, 3.73 posi, 3000RPM torque converter, 700R4 trans and small shot of nitrous in a heavy 1988 Camaro.

Believe it or not these same unported Vortec heads went 12.6 on motor in an 85 Monte SS (all steel, full interior ...heavy car) with a similar setup as mine. It ran in the mid/high 11's on nitrous.