Help with cam selection

85 SQ · Jul 15, 2019

I could use some assistance selecting a cam for street performance . I'm looking for low end power with at least a little bit of chop to it . Goodwrench 350 stock heads I believe there the large 76cc combustion chambers so low compression . Currently I have a performer rpm with an edelbrock 1405 msd street fire dist . Summit long tube ceramic headers with bolt on purple hornies . 85 C 1500 700R4 373 gears . I can go with just a cam or the kit that has cam lifters valve springs seals retainers timing chain and gears etc . Whatever you guys think is best .

legopnuematic · Jul 15, 2019

Your best bet is to contact a cam MFGR, I like Howards (personal preference) and provide them with the information of your engine and what you want to do with it. They will set you up right. A low LSA (lopey idle) and low compression make for a complete turd, not to mention having to put a stall converter in if it is too radical. In my 76 I have a Howards 112561-12 in it, just barely 9.0-1 compression, runs good, isn't what I would call lopey but I like it.

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shiftpro · Jul 15, 2019

There's not a lot you can do with bad heads and low compression, so keep your expectations low.
Or say eff it and go big block!

4WDKC · Jul 15, 2019

your options are

A. buy a cam designed to fill the cylinders better with a low compression engine, this cam should only used on low compression engines and would be wasted if you do a performance rebuild on that engine later. Contact cam manufacturer for recommendation.

B. Buy after market heads and a cam recommend by a manufacturer designed meet your goals.

C. Swap the entire engine for something more suited for your goals whether it be a big block, diesel, or LS.

85 SQ · Jul 24, 2019

I have a chance to pick up these 041 heads for $120 . Below is the info the seller sent to me. I have the sickly 76cc heads on my goodwrench 350 right now so are these worth buying and putting on

You must be registered for see images attach

They are ready to run, although they do not have hardened seats. The valves are 2.02/1.94 intake and 1.60/1.50 exhaust with straight angle plugs according to my research. I had a shop pull them apart to do the work so I don't have any exact measurements. I also have rockers from a 350 you could take with

1987 GMC Jimmy · Jul 24, 2019

The fuel is heads are good, they’re just an old design. Gotta get the seats taken care of, but once they’re freshened up, and you make sure they have accessory holes, I would run them.

Arkansas_V8 · Jul 24, 2019

Um don't make my mistake.

I did a cam on an old motor(in my teen days), and may not have thought it through because my converter hated it.

Made the truck darn near undriveable.

Not saying you are as dumb as me, but hey it happens.

4WDKC · Jul 24, 2019

That would depend on how much it will cost to get it right so it will run on pump gas and not damage anything or require a lead additive. I dont remember which seats it needs for leaded.

TravisB · Jul 24, 2019

85 SQ said:
I have a chance to pick up these 041 heads for $120 . Below is the info the seller sent to me. I have the sickly 76cc heads on my goodwrench 350 right now so are these worth buying and putting on
You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach
They are ready to run, although they do not have hardened seats. The valves are 2.02/1.94 intake and 1.60/1.50 exhaust with straight angle plugs according to my research. I had a shop pull them apart to do the work so I don't have any exact measurements. I also have rockers from a 350 you could take with

I have a set of 186 heads which are pretty similar to those you mentioned. My local machine shop quoted me $400 to put hardened seats on the exhaust side, check them for cracks and grind the valves and stuff so they were read for a new install. Your machine shop may be different but wanted to share my experience.

I have also heard that if you aren't racing it or pulling loads and you keep constant RPM under 5k the hardened seats aren't such a big deal but that was hearsay.

4WDKC · Jul 24, 2019

TravisB said:
I have a set of 186 heads which are pretty similar to those you mentioned. My local machine shop quoted me $400 to put hardened seats on the exhaust side, check them for cracks and grind the valves and stuff so they were read for a new install. Your machine shop may be different but wanted to share my experience.

I have also heard that if you aren't racing it or pulling loads and you keep constant RPM under 5k the hardened seats aren't such a big deal but that was hearsay.

Based on this I would pass and keep my eyes open for the Alum. 113 at a minimum or check the machine shops for vortecs that someone dropped off but never came back for.

Jrgunn5150 · Jul 24, 2019

Low end torque, low compression, super sweet idle chop, and stock converters aren't things that go together lol.

Help with cam selection

85 SQ

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legopnuematic

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shiftpro

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4WDKC

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85 SQ

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1987 GMC Jimmy

Automobile Hoarder

Arkansas_V8

Proud Redneck

4WDKC

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TravisB

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4WDKC

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Jrgunn5150

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