LO3BIRD

Picked up a nice 92 25th Anniv Camaro for $700 with no motor. Took out the old 700R4, driveshaft is good. Rear seems to be Posi, haven't counted the ratio yet. 16" Aluminum wheels with ZR rated directional tires.

Fresh rebuilt 4-bolt 350 for it (360, it's .060 over). 441 iron head castings. (150/90 in/out CFM flow)
9.25:1 Compression (flat 4 relief pistons, moly rings)
Edelbrock Performer Intake
Holley 600 CFM Vacuum Sec.
Accel HEI Distributer
Double Roller timing chain
Fresh TH350 longtail tranny with B&M Stage 2 shift kit installed and 2000-2200 converter with Hurst torque arm bracket
Energy suspension polyurethane motor/tranny/torque arm mounts
Changing the stock cam to a Crane Cam Blazer 284-2H (.465"/.488" 284/294 duration 224/234@.050) (2200-5200 RPM range)

I'm still waiting for the heads to arrive.

I was told this could make 350HP and the Blazer cam would work with the stock valve springs and no piston to valve worries (from an experienced builder). Does this sound right?

The exhaust is stock except the previous owner put a glasspack in place of the catalytic converter with just large pipe out the back. I realize headers would be better.

But I'm worried about the stock valve springs with this cam. Anyone know what I could expect to see HP or 1/4 ET wise?? Thanks in Advance.

LO3BIRD

Anyone can say if this cam is a go or not with stock heads?? Assuming pressed studs/stock springs.

I'll change the springs if I have to, I just wanted a bit more HP without messing with the heads.

Also it seems this 224/234 cam is a bit lopey. Would a .015" copper head gasket be more "compression friendly"? Is there enough vacuum for the brakes and A/C?

Problem is, rear gear is a 2.73. TH350 Stall is 2000-2200. My 60MPH cruise is 2100RPM (calculated). With this granny gear, I figured go with the more powerful cam rather than step it down since it should effectively "lower" the stall speed (hopefully under 2000) since it'll produce less torque at low RPM's.

I don't want converter slippage (tranny burn-up) at 60mph because of the granny 2.73.

gmsmallblockguy

With those gears you might better go with a low end torque build than the top end monster cam you listed and no a 224@.05 degree cam is not likely to run your power brake booster without a vaccum can. With the cam you have chosed you're looking at good torque from 2,500 to 6,000 and hp from 3,200-7,500 rpm.

You would want at least 10:1 compression and at least some 3:73 gears to run this cam.

Any cam over .450 lift is going to bind up stock springs on most heads and stock springs would likely not have the pressure for it, you need 120lbs seat pressure and 300lbs open. But you need to research your specific heads for their limit and if you are going flat top pistons you'd be well advised to clearance the valve to piston issue no matter what anyone tells you.

LO3BIRD

I agree with that you've said. The top end monster cam is probably a poor choice with vacuum canister and everything (2.73's too).

But I bought a cheap 2000-2200 stall converter because I wanted a new one to go with my rebuilt TH350 instead of old stock one.

I've heard a more powerful engine (less low RPM torque) can reduce the stall speed some (and make the car seem lighter, because of high HP).

A (214/224) or (204/214) cam will lower the HP and torque curve, and unfortunately, for my 2.73's, raise the converter stall speed.

But with my calculated 60MPH cruise at 2100 RPM (assume I leave in the 2.73's), is a 2000-2200 converter wise to install?? The converter would be slipping some at 60MPH, not good.

LO3BIRD

COMP Cams has a "Nostalgia Plus" Series of Cams to reproduce old 60's musclecar sounds.

I noticed a 300HP+ cam with (211/218 @ .050") and .426"/.420" lift (yes more lift on intake, for the 60's sound). This duration should give enough vacuum I would think.

This should definately work with stock springs as far as lift goes. Seat pressure I don't know.

Maybe it's the best solution for my engine to make decent power without messing with the heads, but I'm worried about the 2000-2200 stall speed and my calculated 2100 RPM 60mph cruise.