Knowing what size cam is in a stock Chevy 350 would enhance your ability to choose the best camshaft for your vehicle’s engine. While the engine is in the similitude of a human heart, the camshaft is in the similitude of the veins because of its function of supplying the fuel.
A cam is a sliding or rotating component in a mechanical linkage responsible for transforming a rotary motion into a linear motion. It controls the input of fuel in the engine combustion cycle and the exiting of exhaust fumes.
The camshaft is in the similitude of a timing device responsible for controlling the opening and closing of the intake and the exhaust valves. The camshafts in a vehicle are connected with a chain or a timing belt to the turning of the vehicle’s crankshaft. It also sets the valve overlap, which occurs on the top dead center on the car’s exhaust stroke.
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Camshaft Specs on a Stock Chevy 350
In 1967, the Chevy 350 engine was released by GM, and within a short period, it saturated the market. It was popularly used in vehicles like the Chevrolet Caprice wagon, Chevrolet Corvette, etc.
The Chevy 350 engine has two major parts: a hydraulic lifter and a hydraulic camshaft. The intake duration and the exhaust duration are about 218 seconds and 0.5 RPM, respectively.
Also, the intake and the exhaust valve have a lift capacity of 0.457 inches and a total of 268 seconds duration. Lastly, the intake valve of the lobe center-line is about 105 degrees, while the exhaust valve is around 110 degrees and has a rocker arm ratio of 1:5.
Stock 350 Cam Specs
The cam size in a stock Chevy 350 is typically either a 268 or a 292.
Cam Size
Usually, a particular stock cam model has various size variations. Therefore, knowing the specification for the size is a crucial factor.
In this case, the two-piston rings have a bore of about 4” and a 350 cubic inches displacement. Among the two piston rings, one possesses a compression ratio between 3.9” and 0.622”, and the two-piston rings have a 1.56” height measurement, respectively.
Also, the head’s exhaust diameter measures a minimum of 1.5”, and the intake diameter of the cylinder measures about 1.94”. Meanwhile, the length of the connecting rod is 5.7 inches, and its stroke is 3.48”.
Cam Torque
Next to the size in the series of essential factors, you must consider the torque specification in the camshaft. The camshafts operation ensures that timing is taken into strict consideration. Hence, the three bolts that connect the timing chain have a torque of about 20-foot pounds.
The bolt used in connecting the pistons with the crankshaft possesses a torque of about 20 foot-pounds also. The second bolt has 45 foot-pounds, and the third, 75 foot-pounds.
The specifications of the size and torque are significant factors in the stock Chevy 350; therefore, they should be given such extent of consideration in making sure the best is picked.
Best Cams for Stock Chevy 350
Since the camshaft is a vital component in ensuring smooth running, you need to ensure that you choose among the best cams for a stock Chevy 350.
The best Cams provide the best capacity for the valve lift, RPM range, lobe separation angle and compression, and their efficient performance distinguishes them.
The following are some of the stock Chevy 350 cam specs that you can buy considering how they match the requirements of your current engine.
- COMP Cams CL12-600-4
The COMP Cams CL12-600-4 seems to be on top of the list with a 227/241 duration at .050”, a 2,000 – 5,800 rpm operating range, and a solid hitting exhaust.
- SB Chevy 283 327 350 400 Hi-Perf RV Cam
The SB Chevy 283 327 350 400 Hi-Perf RV Cam possesses a 108 degrees lobe angle of separation, 0.480 valve lift, an RPM range between 2,000 and 6,500, a 282 degrees duration, and 227/241 duration at 0.500”.
- COMP Cams 12-602-4 Big Mutha
The COMP Cams 12-602-4 Big Mutha has the following features; RPM range between 2,200 and 6,100, over 2,800 stalls, 9.5:1 level of compression, .500 inch/.486-inch lift, and a 243/257 duration at .050”.
FAQs
What is the biggest cam for stock 350?
The COMP Cams CL12-600-4 ranks as the biggest cam for stock 350. It has ranked top of the list since 1976. It is a great cam kit that works excellently for 350 small blocks because of its efficient and hassle-free performance for years.
What kind of camshaft is best?
Cams that have durations between 195 and 210 degrees measured at a .050” cam lift is considered the best kind of camshaft for stock engines that are unmodified and those with computerized engine controls. If you go above 210 degrees to 220 degrees, the intake vacuum will start dropping. It is also important to note that a bad camshaft can affect the engine valves and produce a clicking engine sound.
How much lift can stock 350 heads take?
How much horsepower does a cam add to a Chevy 350?
Final Words
If you are asking, “What size Cam is in a stock Chevy 350?” this article has provided sufficient information to enable you to choose the best camshaft which meets your vehicle’s engine requirements and can engender improved engine performance.
An engine with improved horsepower would necessarily improve the car’s acceleration, and that has a direct effect on the overall performance of the vehicle.
Therefore, if you need to change your vehicle’s camshaft, especially if you own a Chevy 350, refer back to this article or consult a professional auto mechanic.
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