Bang for the buck...goodwrench 350

[PRH]

Since the budget is really low......

Use the Comp XE256 cam, spring upgrade, have the heads milled to get the CR up to a true 8.7-8.8.
Touch up valve seats, absolute minimalist blending of ridges in bowls, headers.

I’m pretty sure those motors come with 624 heads(very similar to an 882).

The smaller runner, 1.72 valve heads actually work better in that type of application....... like 991’s or 185’s.
But I realize reconning a set of those isn’t in the budget...... and that they wouldn’t be as good as a set of vortecs.

[Carnut1]

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=55886
I like the 083 heads, stock they only flow about 185 cfm. They do have a better chamber than 76 cc heads but not as nice as vortecs. They also have the center intake bolts at a different angle fyi. thanks,Charlie

[F-BIRD'88]

Yes the 083 heads are 64 cc from a L-98 tpi 350.
Good choice. Better with some porting.
Stock valves are fine. Use the felpro shim gasket
If you're scared of the dark use Comp 12-208-2 cs265DEH-10 "dual energy" cam in on 104 c/l
With 1.6 in rr. 265-269 211-221 .442-.465 110.104/116
(.472"-.465" 1.6-1.5rr) also good good midrange torque.


Re: 083 tpi L98 heads...
Get 2 sets, one set for yur buddy with the 350 Nova too.

Note: the 218/106 .450" summit cam goes on a 9.6 to 10:1 cr with 305 heads not on a 9:1 motor.
Remember all these heads including the 083 TPI heads are low low flow below 200 cfm stock.
They all get much bettrr with porting.
Even with stock valves. 220-225 cfm @ .400"- .450" lift is
great. 150+ ex... Ported...
A Performer RPM (not airgap) is not too much for this motor. But keep the plenum split 180 deg.
If using the qjet be sure any spacer/adapter is divided style, not open.

[novadude]

The smaller runner, 1.72 valve heads actually work better in that type of application....... like 991’s or 185’s.
But I realize reconning a set of those isn’t in the budget...... and that they wouldn’t be as good as a set of vortecs.

I've got a good set of '185' heads with about 30k miles on valve job and guides. If OP was closer, he could come pick them up and get them out of my basement! LOL I doubt that anyone wants to pay to ship 1.72/1.50 iron 69cc heads though.

[n2omike]

If it was for towing only, the 3.73 would be a nice choice, but if it will also pull standard duty, the 3.42 is a great compromise, and will offer worlds of improvement over the existing 2.73 ratio!

The tiny 2" exhaust with awful glasspack mufflers is killing it. It REALLY needs headers, and even more than headers, a larger exhaust and good mufflers!

Vortec heads will bring this engine into a new dimension! If you do ONE thing to the engine itself, it should be the installation of the Vortec heads.

A camshaft would definitely help... and with the Vortec heads, a nice cam would turn this truck into a hotrod! If it was mainly for cruising around with a decent gear, maybe the 268, but for towing, the 260H you originally chose would be a nice piece. A Performer RPM intake would be really nice for topping it off.

I'd try REALLY hard for the entire combo. If not, in order of importance:
1. Gears
2. Headers and improved exhaust.
3. Vortec Heads
4. Cam
5. Performer RPM intake

Good Luck!

[travis]

He got the truck back with the 3.42’s in it and dropped it off at the house after putting an easy 100 miles or so on it. It’s better, no doubt, but still nothing to write home about. So...I’ve got the 083’s torn apart to do a little clean up port work and add a set of old “Z-28” springs and retainers I had laying around.

He found a guy here local that had a new cam (generic “performer” cam...204/214@.050, 420/442 lift, 112 lsa), lifters, a cheap cloyes double roller timing set, and a gasket set so he got it all for $100. I’ve never used this cam before, but it’s surely better than the tiny thing that’s in there now...especially since it will be around 9.0-1 compression with the 083’s and a set of felpro 1094’s. I do have a crane 266 and 272 energizer cam (both used...210@.050 and 216@.050 respectively) but am cautious to use them. I threw the lifters to both cams away years ago after I got them mixed up. I would throw one of them in for free but again I’m worried about using a used cam with new lifters. Of these 3 cams, which would you use?

He also found a set of used 1 5/8” headers and a 2 1/2” dual exhaust system with flowmaster knock off’s dumped at the rear axle from a similar year truck for $250 that looks to be in decent shape. He’s going to go grab those in the morning.

I still need a few random pieces but I should be able to get all this done without going too far over budget.

[KnightEngines]

That 204/214 has too much exhaust lobe for the intake lobe, it won't make torque.

I'd put the 272 in 216/216 on 110, decent lift.
New lifters, bed it careful with lots of zinc.

[travis]

That 204/214 has too much exhaust lobe for the intake lobe, it won't make torque.

I'd put the 272 in 216/216 on 110, decent lift.
New lifters, bed it careful with lots of zinc.

That’s been my experience with these type setups. That’s why I almost always prefer a single pattern cam for a mild engine in a heavy vehicle...they just seem to work so much better.

That 272 is a real sweet cam...I’ve used dozens of them in things like this because they flat work.

[n2omike]

I’ve got the 083’s torn apart to do a little clean up port work and add a set of old “Z-28” springs and retainers I had laying around.

A little pocket porting can go a long way. 80% of your gains will be found within 1 inch above and below the valve seat. Don't get too caught up in 'gasket matching'. Pretty much nothing there if you don't do the bowls. The compression increase will be nice!

He found a guy here local that had a new cam (generic “performer” cam...204/214@.050, 420/442 lift, 112 lsa), lifters, a cheap cloyes double roller timing set, and a gasket set so he got it all for $100. I’ve never used this cam before, but it’s surely better than the tiny thing that’s in there now...especially since it will be around 9.0-1 compression with the 083’s and a set of felpro 1094’s. I do have a crane 266 and 272 energizer cam (both used...210@.050 and 216@.050 respectively) but am cautious to use them. I threw the lifters to both cams away years ago after I got them mixed up. I would throw one of them in for free but again I’m worried about using a used cam with new lifters. Of these 3 cams, which would you use?

I like the profiles of your Crane cams better... Be sure to use good oil, whichever you choose. Either flat tappet specific oil with plenty of zinc, or at least diesel oil. If you like Mobil 1, their 15w50 is the only one with the extra zinc. 1300 ppm of ZDDP. I've used it on flat tappets, as well as all of my air cooled dirt bikes for decades. Often on sale at Advance Auto for around $35 for 5 quarts AND a filter. Might get some extra advice from others on here about using the used cam. You said the springs are 'old' Z28... Does that mean new, but old stock... or just old and used? lol

He also found a set of used 1 5/8” headers and a 2 1/2” dual exhaust system with flowmaster knock off’s dumped at the rear axle from a similar year truck for $250 that looks to be in decent shape. He’s going to go grab those in the morning.

I still need a few random pieces but I should be able to get all this done without going too far over budget.

EXCELLENT!!! Exhaust is a great move!!!
Good Luck!

[PRH]

Imo, the owner is going to find out pretty quick that a bigger cam(268, 272, etc), as opposed to a smaller cam(256, 260, etc), in a tow vehicle............ at 5000ft elevation....... may not really be the best choice.

[dfarr67]

I have a late 80's K1500.
Went from pos 3:42 to 4:10 great off road but disappointing on the highway, changed to 3:73 very happy with the 700r4 combo- some towing too.
If he has a Rochester quad- I would put some serious tuning effort into that carb- I think they shine when running as intended. Also the HEI should be curved to suit.

[jeff swisher]

I have ran the performer cam in a 355" with stock 76cc heads .. it was a buddies car I tuned for him.
The RPM intake worked very well on it but the performer intake would not even break tires loose no mater the tune..First time I did a back to back test on those 2 intakes.
I hate the flat floor intakes.. they need grooves or waffled floors for sure to get keep fuel atomized.

Anyway I did not like the cam.
I have used the generic 204-214 on 112 LSA in 350 oldsmobiles with and without ported heads and it was a pig.. I gained 500 rpm on top but it killed the low end TQ.

Had a buddy running a 268H in his Olds 403 and he cleaned my clock.
I later tried the 268H and I have never went back to dual pattern generic 112 LSA camshafts. Those high energy and magnum cams just make power and no loss of low end.

You could have your cams reground and if the profile is not changed much it will not take much off of them.

Almost every cam I have ran in my V8's are reground. No issues.

[PRH]

For an off the shelf, single pattern, tighter lsa cam...... there’s the Isky Supercams.

[Old School]

Use the new lifters from the 204/214 on the Crane 266. Best I remember the 266 was ground on 110? The 210 duration will help in the towing rpm range and not hurt fuel economy, especially with increased compression. The new lifters/used cam should be fine, I have done it many times. As long as you have around 80 lb seat pressure that is enough and increase the longevity of the cam. I don't think the engine should see over 4000 rpm at most, maybe less?

[F-BIRD'88]

At just 9:1 the compression ratio is still just too low.
Great if you had a supercharger.
I agree re: the RPM intake. Its just a better intake all around. Even if using a qjet on a correct divided carb adapter , the rpm is better.