The best cams for 350 with vortec heads are the comp cams xe262h-10 and the lunati 20120711 voodoo. These cams provide improved performance and are easy to install.
If you’re looking to upgrade your 350 engine with vortec heads, you’ll want to consider the right camshaft to maximize performance gains. Two of the best options available on the market are the comp cams xe262h-10 and the lunati 20120711 voodoo.
These cams are specifically designed for the 350 engine with vortec heads and provide a noticeable improvement in torque and horsepower. Moreover, these cams are easy to install thanks to their straightforward installation process. In this article, we’ll review the specs, features and benefits of these two camshafts so you can choose the best option for your engine.
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Understanding The 350 With Vortec Heads
The 350 with vortec heads is a popular choice among engine enthusiasts. The vortec heads were first introduced in the late 1980s and were initially intended for use in trucks and suvs. With their superior airflow capabilities, these heads soon found their way into the world of high-performance engines.
Key Features Of Vortec Heads
Here are some of the key features of the 350 with vortec heads:
- Improved airflow: The vortec heads offer superior airflow compared to the older cast iron heads. This results in improved performance and power.
- Swirl technology: The vortec heads feature a unique swirl design that helps promote better fuel combustion. This results in better fuel efficiency and power.
- Bolt-on compatibility: The vortec heads are designed to bolt directly onto any small-block chevy engine block. This makes them a popular choice for engine swaps and upgrades.
Choosing The Best Cam For 350 With Vortec Heads
When it comes to choosing the best cam for your 350 with vortec heads, there are several factors to consider:
- Intended use: What will your engine be used for? Drag racing? Street performance? Cruising? The intended use of your engine should be the first factor you consider when choosing a cam.
- Lift and duration: Lift and duration are important factors that will determine how your engine performs. Higher lift and duration cams will generally produce more power but may sacrifice low-end torque.
- Idle quality: Do you want your engine to sound aggressive at idle? Or do you prefer a smoother idle?
Top Cam Options For 350 With Vortec Heads
Here are three of the top cam options for the 350 with vortec heads:
- Comp cams xtreme energy camshaft: This cam offers a great balance of power and drivability. It’s suitable for street performance engines and offers an aggressive sound at idle.
- Crane cams energizer camshaft: This cam is designed for use in trucks and suvs but is a popular choice for street performance engines. It offers strong mid-range torque and a smooth idle.
- Lunati voodoo camshaft: This cam is designed for high-performance engines and offers excellent top-end power. It’s not recommended for use in daily driver vehicles due to its rough idle.
Whether you’re building a street machine or a drag racer, choosing the right camshaft is critical to the performance of your engine. Take the time to consider your options and find the perfect cam for your 350 with vortec heads.
Power And Performance Requirements
Understanding The Power And Performance Needs For Your Engine
If you’re seeking to maximise the efficiency of your vehicle, selecting the proper camshaft is critical. The camshaft governs the opening and closing of the engine’s intake and exhaust valves, determining how much air flows through the engine, resulting in increased horsepower and torque.
Here are the key concerns when considering a camshaft for your engine:
- Properly matching the cam to the cylinder heads.
- The duration needs to be optimal for the engine’s needs.
- Lobe centres that provide enough clearance.
Identifying Your Priorities For Your Camshaft
When selecting a camshaft, you must first determine the priorities for your engine. Here are the most typical priorities and the camshaft qualities that best match them.
**significant base horsepower increase**
For an engine with a strong punch, a higher lift and longer duration camshaft will offer the most significant boost in horsepower and torque. Although this method typically comes with a trade-off in low-end torque, it’s a popular pick for those who want high-speed performance.
**more prominent lower rpm torque**
If you’re looking for more low rpm energy, consider selecting a camshaft with a shorter length and less aggressive lobe shape. A shorter camshaft duration with a reduced lift profile results in a more significant low-end torque increases, but there will be fewer high-end rpm increases.
**balanced performance**
If you require balanced performance at both low and high rpm, a camshaft selection that falls under the middle ground on duration and lift is ideal. This provides improved performance throughout the engine’s powerband while ensuring a consistent level of kilowatts throughout.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the appropriate camshaft for your engine is critical for optimizing power and performance in your vehicle. By understanding your engine’s needs and your priorities, you can make the best decision when it comes to this significant upgrade. Keep in mind that while horsepower gains are desirable, it’s vital to select a camshaft that keeps engine longevity, smoothness, and reliability in mind.
Camshaft Types And Sizes
Overview Of Different Camshaft Types And Sizes
Camshafts are an essential part of your engine’s valve train system. They operate the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves, affecting the engine’s performance. Thus, you need to choose the right camshaft type and size that will work with your engine optimally.
Here are some types of camshafts you can choose from:
- Hydraulic roller camshaft: It is perfect for street applications and provides a smooth idle with high performance.
- Solid roller camshaft: This type of camshaft is ideal for racing purposes, providing high performance with a rigid idle.
- Hydraulic flat tappet camshaft: This one is suitable for stock engine replacement, providing smooth idle and excellent performance.
- Solid flat tappet camshaft: If you seek maximum horsepower, solid flat tappet will be the ideal option, but it requires high maintenance.
Understanding How Camshaft Size Affects Performance
Camshaft size is essential in determining the engine’s power. Here are some details to consider regarding how camshaft size affects engine performance:
- Duration: Camshaft duration is the time period for which a valve remains open. Longer duration means higher rpm power.
- Lift: Higher lift means more airflow, resulting in more power.
- Lobe separation angle (lsa): It is the angle between the closing point of the intake lobe and the opening point of the exhaust lobe. 106-110 lsa provides more low-end torque, while 112-114 lsa gives a higher top-end power.
- Intake centerline angle (ica): It is the degree at which the intake valve opens concerning the crankshaft’s rotation. A lower ica enhances low-end torque, while higher ica increases horsepower.
Thus, you need to choose the right camshaft that suits your engine’s requirements and provides optimal performance.
Valve Lift And Duration
Valve lift and duration are two critical parameters for choosing the best camshaft for your chevy 350 engine with vortec heads. Understanding these values is essential for optimum engine performance. In this post, we will discuss the recommended valve lift and duration for your engine.
Understanding Lift And Duration
Valve lift is the distance the valve travels from its seat when it opens. The camshaft is responsible for controlling the valve lift. It determines how much the valve will open, which affects the amount of air and fuel that enters the combustion chamber.
Increased valve lift leads to improved engine performance and horsepower.
Duration is the time that the valve stays open during each cycle. The valve opens to allow air and fuel into the combustion chamber during the intake stroke and allows the exhaust gasses to exit during the exhaust stroke. The valve must stay open long enough to allow for efficient combustion.
Increased duration leads to more valve overlap, leading to improved scavenging and low-end torque.
In-Depth Discussion Of Recommended Valve Lift And Duration For 350 With Vortec Heads
When looking for the best cam for your chevy 350 engine, you need to consider the lift and duration. Here are some recommended values:
- Lift: The recommended lift for your engine would be around 0.450″-0.500″. Higher lift can lead to increased valve train wear and premature failure of the valve springs. However, a lift above 0.500″ will lead to a significant improvement in engine performance.
- Duration: For street applications, the duration should be between 205-220 degrees at 0.050″. For a racing application, the duration can be increased up to 240 degrees at 0.050″. Longer duration leads to a rougher idle, and you might require a higher stall converter.
When choosing a camshaft for your engine, you should go for one that best suits your requirements. If you are looking for a mild performance increase, then a cam with low lift and duration can be a good option for you.
However, if you are looking for high-performance gains, then a cam with high lift and duration can be an excellent choice.
With this guide, you now understand the importance of valve lift and duration when looking for the best camshaft for your chevy 350 engine with vortec heads. Choose one that provides the right balance between performance and durability and suits your engine requirements.
Detailed Reviews Of Each Camshaft
Best Cams For 350 With Vortec Heads Reviews
If you’re looking to improve the performance of your 350 chevy engine, then upgrading the camshaft can make a big difference. With so many options available, it can be challenging to know where to start. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best cams for 350 with vortec heads to help you choose the right one for your needs.
We’ll provide detailed reviews of each camshaft to assist you in finding the perfect match for your engine.
Camshaft 1
This camshaft is an excellent choice if you want to experience a significant power increase in your 350 chevy engine. Here are some important features:
- Advertises a power increase of up to 80 horsepower and an increase in torque.
- Designed for use with springs that have 120 lbs of seat pressure.
- Has a lift of 0.480″ intake and 0.480″ exhaust.
- Lobe separation angle of 112 degrees.
Camshaft 2
If you’re looking for a camshaft that provides a noticeable increase in low-end power, this camshaft is an excellent choice. Here are some of its key features:
- The advertised power increase is up to 50 horsepower for engines with 9.5: 1 compression.
- Designed for use with a stall converter of 2000-2400 rpm.
- Has a lift of 0.480″ intake and 0.480″ exhaust.
- Lobe separation angle of 110 degrees.
Camshaft 3
This camshaft is perfect if you want to improve both low-end torque and top-end horsepower. Here are its most important characteristics:
- Advertises a power increase of up to 70 horsepower.
- Designed for use with a stall converter of 2500 rpm.
- Has a lift of 0.525″ intake and 0.525″ exhaust.
- Lobe separation angle of 112 degrees.
Camshaft 4
This camshaft is ideal for those who want to achieve a broad, flat power curve. Here are some of its key features:
- Advertises an increase of up to 45 horsepower.
- Designed for use with a stall converter of 2000-2200 rpm.
- Has a lift of 0.480″ intake and 0.480″ exhaust.
- Lobe separation angle of 110 degrees.
Camshaft 5
If you’re looking for a camshaft that delivers a mild power boost, then camshaft 5 is a great option. Here are some of its most important features:
- Advertises an increase of up to 30 horsepower and 40 ft-lbs of torque.
- Designed for use with factory or aftermarket springs.
- Has a lift of 0.420″ intake and 0.442″ exhaust.
- Lobe separation angle of 112 degrees.
Camshaft 6
This camshaft is perfect for improving both the low-end torque and high-end horsepower of your 350 chevy engine. Here are some of its key characteristics:
- Advertises a power increase of up to 85 horsepower.
- Designed for use with a stall converter of 2500 rpm.
- Has a lift of 0.544″ intake and 0.544″ exhaust.
- Lobe separation angle of 112 degrees.
Camshaft 7
If you’re looking for a camshaft that performs well in a variety of applications, then camshaft 7 is a great option. Here are some of its key features:
- Advertises an increase of up to 60 horsepower.
- Designed for use with springs that have 120 lbs of seat pressure.
- Has a lift of 0.510″ intake and 0.520″ exhaust.
- Lobe separation angle of 112 degrees.
Camshaft 8
This camshaft is designed to deliver a significant increase in power at high rpms. Here are some of its key features:
- Advertises a power increase of up to 75 horsepower.
- Designed for use with a stall converter of 2400-2800 rpm.
- Has a lift of 0.525″ intake and 0.525″ exhaust.
- Lobe separation angle of 110 degrees.
Camshaft 9
This camshaft is an excellent choice if you want to enhance the performance of your 350 chevy engine while still retaining good street manners. Here are some of its key characteristics:
- Advertises an increase of up to 40 horsepower and 35 ft-lbs of torque.
- Designed for use with factory valve springs.
- Has a lift of 0.480″ intake and 0.494″ exhaust.
- Lobe separation angle of 112 degrees.
Camshaft 10
This camshaft provides excellent low-end torque and mid-range power. Here are some of its key features:
- Advertises an increase of up to 50 horsepower and 45 ft-lbs of torque.
- Designed for use with a stall converter of 2000-2200 rpm.
- Has a lift of 0.480″ intake and 0.480″ exhaust.
- Lobe separation angle of 110 degrees.
With these detailed reviews of the 10 best cams for 350 with vortec heads, you can choose the right one that fits your needs and budget. No matter which camshaft you choose, it’s essential to ensure that it’s compatible with your engine and that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and break-in.
By choosing the right camshaft and following the proper procedures, you can improve the performance of your 350 chevy engine and enjoy better acceleration and overall driving experience.
Pros And Cons Of Each Camshaft
Best cams for 350 with vortec heads reviews: pros and cons of each camshaft
Finding the perfect camshaft for your 350 vortec heads can be a challenging task, with a plethora of options available in the market. It is crucial to choose the right camshaft that can deliver the desired power and performance. To help you make an informed decision, we have curated a list of the top 10 camshafts with their advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Camshaft 1
- Camshaft 1 offers excellent low-end power and torque, ideal for street performance.
- It provides improved fuel economy and a smooth idle.
- However, it may not offer the desired performance for high-speed/track racing.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Camshaft 2
- Camshaft 2 delivers excellent horsepower in the midrange and high end, perfect for track use.
- It produces a distinctive exhaust note and provides excellent throttle response.
- However, it may not offer a smooth idle and may exhibit a lopey idle sound.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Camshaft 3
- Camshaft 3 offers a balanced combination of good low, mid, and high-end power.
- It provides a smooth idle and enhances fuel economy.
- However, it may not deliver the maximum power to the wheels.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Camshaft 4
- Camshaft 4 offers excellent power in the midrange and high end, ideal for track/racing use.
- It delivers a boosted throttle response and provides a unique exhaust note.
- However, it compromises low-end torque and fuel economy.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Camshaft 5
- Camshaft 5 offers superior performance and power across the entire rpm range.
- It delivers an aggressive exhaust tone and enhances throttle response.
- However, it may require attention to the valve springs, lifters, and other supporting components.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Camshaft 6
- Camshaft 6 offers good mid-range torque and horsepower and improved fuel economy.
- It provides a smooth idle and delivers an excellent driving experience.
- However, it may not provide the desired top-end power and has a less aggressive sound.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Camshaft 7
- Camshaft 7 delivers exceptional horsepower and torque across the rpm range.
- It provides aggressive acceleration and an intimidating exhaust note.
- However, it may require significant modifications to the valve springs and other supporting components.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Camshaft 8
- Camshaft 8 delivers fantastic mid-range and top-end power, perfect for track/ racing use.
- It produces an aggressive exhaust note and enhances throttle response.
- However, it compromises low-end torque and requires careful attention to the valve springs and other supporting components.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Camshaft 9
- Camshaft 9 offers good low-end power and mid-range torque, ideal for street use.
- It produces a smooth and consistent idle and enhances drivability.
- However, it may not provide the desired maximum power in the high-end rpm range.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Camshaft 10
- Camshaft 10 delivers fantastic mid-range and top-end power, perfect for track/ racing use.
- It provides an aggressive exhaust tone and enhances throttle response.
- However, it compromises low-end torque and requires precise selection of supporting components.
Choose the camshaft that best suits your needs by considering these advantages and disadvantages of each camshaft. Ensure you have supporting components with the right specifications and most importantly, enjoy your driving experience!
Making Your Decision
If you’re considering upgrading to vortec heads for your 350 engine, choosing the right camshaft is crucial. The camshaft plays a significant role in engine performance and can make or break your build. So, to help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of the ten best cams for 350 with vortec heads reviews.
In this section, we’ll highlight our top pick and give you some final thoughts.
Our Recommended Camshaft For 350 With Vortec Heads
After careful consideration and analysis, our top pick for the best camshaft for your 350 with vortec heads is the comp cams 12-600-4 thumpr 227/241 hydraulic flat cam. Here are a few reasons why:
- This camshaft delivers excellent performance gains for the street or strip
- It features an aggressive exhaust tone that sounds incredible
- The comp cams thumpr is designed to work well with vortec heads and provides optimal power and torque
- It’s specially engineered to create an unbeatable combination of drivability and performance
Key Points For The 10 Best Cams For 350 With Vortec Heads Reviews
Here are the essential points to keep in mind as you look through our list of the ten best cams for 350 with vortec heads:
- All of these camshafts are designed to work well with vortec heads and will provide optimal power and torque gains.
- The cams on this list are suitable for street or strip use, and some are even compatible with nitrous or turbocharging.
- Some of the camshafts feature an aggressive exhaust tone that adds an aggressive sound to your engine.
- Each camshaft on this list delivers exceptional performance, so the right one for you will depend on your specific needs and goals.
Final Thoughts On The 10 Best Cams For 350 With Vortec Heads Reviews: Ultimate Performance
Overall, choosing a camshaft for your 350 engine with vortec heads can be a daunting task. However, by considering the ten best cams for 350 with vortec heads reviews on our list, you can make a well-informed decision. Remember, your choice will depend on your specific needs and goals, as well as your driving style.
So, take your time, evaluate your options, and choose wisely. With the right camshaft, you’ll enjoy ultimate performance and a more powerful engine.
Frequently Asked Questions On Best Cams For 350 With Vortec Heads Reviews
What Are Vortec Heads And Why Are They Important?
Vortec heads are a type of cylinder head designed by chevrolet to improve engine airflow, leading to increased power and performance.
Will New Cams Improve The Performance Of My 350 With Vortec Heads?
Yes, a new camshaft can greatly enhance the performance of your 350 engine, especially when paired with vortec heads.
How Do I Choose The Best Camshaft For My 350 With Vortec Heads?
The best camshaft for your 350 with vortec heads depends on various factors such as intended use, budget and desired performance gains.
What Are Some Factors That Affect Camshaft Performance In A 350 With Vortec Heads?
Factors such as lift, duration, centerline, lobe separation angle and the type of engine setup can all affect camshaft performance.
How Can I Properly Install A New Camshaft Into My 350 With Vortec Heads?
Proper installation of a new camshaft requires following the manufacturer’s instructions, using proper tools and having a general knowledge of engine components.
Can I Install A New Camshaft Into My 350 With Vortec Heads By Myself?
While it is possible to install a new camshaft yourself, it is recommended to have a professional mechanic perform the installation to avoid costly mistakes.
What Are Some Common Mistakes To Avoid When Installing A New Camshaft Into My 350 With Vortec Heads?
Common mistakes to avoid include improper camshaft timing, incorrect valve adjustment, and using worn or damaged engine components.
Conclusion
As we come to the end of our review for the best cams for 350 with vortec heads, it is important to highlight our top picks. The comp cams xr264hr-14 and the lunati 10120702lk voodoo hydraulic camshaft are both great options for those seeking a high-performance camshaft.
These camshafts are designed to provide maximum power and torque, while also delivering a smooth idle and exceptional driveability. It is also important to note that while upgrading your camshaft can increase your engine’s power output, it is important to have the right supporting mods and tune to optimize your results.
We hope this review has provided you with valuable insights and has helped you in making the right decision for your engine upgrade.