I'm about to pull my hair out here! I have 2 cams in the garage to pick from. The first is a Cam Motion cam that they ground for me. At the time I ordered it, I was all giddy about using it. Here are the specs:

221/214
.496/.472 w/ 1.6
114 Lobe Center
110 Centerline

Now I have heard from various people on cam selection, and no, most were not from cam companies, but they were individuals on this board that have first hand experience on what type of cams work better. Some people say run a reverse split, some say pick anything with 220-235 duration and at least 114 separation. I also have an Obsesive-Compulsive Disorder so I tend to over think things way to much. I thought the Cam Motion grind was a little small so I picked up another cam. Specs below:

224/234
.496/.520
114 Lobe Center
110 CL I think-cam card is at home.

Here are the engine specs:

355 SBC
RHS Aluminum 200 2.02/1.60
X-Celerator Intake
HP 750 carb by Ron (91GT357)
JE Pistons 8.0:1 CR
Manley Rods
GM Steel Crank
MP T70 w/ .96 housing
Air-Air Intercooler

This is running in a 85 C-10 through an TH350. This is only a street driven truck. No strip time, just something fun to ride around in. B/c I think to much, I want to know what the concensus is on which of these 2 cams would run better. I CAN change later if I need to, but would rather pick the better one the first time around. I have searched this topic about 4 times, and read many of the links. Most don't answer my question, or talk way over my head on pumping losses, and what valve timing is better.

Thanks to all, this board is why I have a turbo in the first place.

Josh

 

Pick #2. The exhaust needs more help, not the intake. Spend the money on exhaust valvesprings, too. Exhaust valve opening point is pretty critical to peak power, but even with the 2nd cam you're not going to have problems, as it's still pretty small. That turbo should hit like a HAMMER! IF the tune-up is correct. This cam should work pretty good on the street with a mild tune-up. I would have suggested a good hydraulic ROLLER cam, though, as lifter quality and oil quality are suspect these days. Do a search on the internet about flat tapet cams and oil problems. BUT, if you really are compulsive...........maybe you shouldn't read about it Instead, try St. Johns wort (herb) and then start building your engine and have FUN with it! If you spend all your time trying to nit pick the crap outta your combo, you'll go NUTS trying to please everyone and everyones ideas! For your intentions even the small cam would work, but because you already have the bigger one, use it. Just GET GOING ON IT ALREADY!

 

I had cam #1 in my combo, thats the cam cammotion spec'ed for me also.
357 sbc
Super T-76
CR 8.19 (calculated)
I cant give an honest opinion on the power it made because the car lacked top end due to an worn exhaust lobe. The cam is super quiet and very streetable. I now have a single pattern Summit cam 234 on a 114 with .520 lift (1.6 rockers) and the car feels like a beast now. I would go with cam #2 if it were me, eventhough I couldn't give a fair comparison between the Cammotion and Summit cam.

 

Oh you guys are good!! Thank you for your input. I have read a few articles on the crap oil we have to live with now. I am going to break it in on Rotella T, and look into some sort of synthetic for a full use oil. I'm not a big fan of Quaker State which has the Racing line with the proper lubricants. The second cam I listed is a Summit cam as well, and thats what I am going to use. It is small compared to what a lot of people are running, but I don't want to kill springs all the time. A HR cam would have been nice, but they are expensive. I used one in a Camaro I had and it ran pretty good, but I re used the factory lifter and saved a good amount of money. Thanks again guys, I have my answer now. Its kinda of funny, after all the double checking on myself, and questions I ask that I may know the answers to, and the extra stress I put on myself, actually putting the engine together relaxes the shit outta me. I don't have a worry in the world when it comes to that.

Josh

 

I vote for cam #2. I'm a firm believer that the reverse-split cams cut short the over-rev.

 

I have used cam #2 in a similar combo, and it worked well. It won't have as much low end as cam #1, and you'll need at least a 2500 stall converter. BTW, mine was in an 86 C10, so trust me it works fine.

 

This is the first hand stuff I'm looking for! Low end is okay. I've got 3.73 gears in it now. To much low end and the fun power turns into stupid power. #2 cam it is. I am working on a small project now and as soon as its done, the engine is going together.

Josh

 

When i broke my motor in i did it with rotella 15 40w and went to a synthetic oil. For some reason the engine like to diesel engine oil better, and i can get it for free. but the motor likes it better

 

I thought about sticking with the diesel oil. I've read that it won't hurt anything. Even for us folk who have to pay for it, its cheaper than most other oils. I'll try it.

Josh

 

just dont run it in a car that has to be smogged. There is a high level of phosprous in it. i guess it is an extra lubricant. automotvie oils dont have a high level of it if any at all i think!

 

Might you want to sell the smaller cam if you don't use it?

 

I would have, but it was donated to trbo355's Grenade 350 that he is posting stupid numbers with.

Josh

 

The guys at the cam makers are paid for what they know, if the first was ground for the same como you want to put it in use it.

 

The problem is they pay a bunch of burger-flippers to answer the phones and recommend cams out of a catalog.

Mike

 

Bummer