Vortec 350 cam selection?
 

I recently purchased a S10 with a 305/200-4R in it (very clean truck for a very fair price). Clearly could see it had 5.0 stamped on the block but had no intention of keeping that motor.

I have a very high mileage (250,000+ miles) vortec 350 laying around that still ran very strong. Haven't taken it apart yet but plan on having the crank cleaned, new crank/rod/cam bearings, hope I can get away with just honing and buying rings. I have low mileage LS7 lifters and 1.5 roller rockers sitting around.
Will be having the heads checked out and machined to fit stronger springs.

I don't want to turn this thing past 6,000 RPM. Been eyeing up Comp Cams XR282HR (http://www.compcams.com/Company/CC/c...?csid=189&sb=2) 230/236 .510"/.520" 110LSA. Anybody have a better cam selection?

Not looking for anything insane since the truck is relatively lightweight to begin with and I am building the Z28. Want to keep the converter stall under 2,500. Figure with a stock bottom end I can squeak out an easy 350hp/350tq at the crank.

If they are 062/906 Vortecs you probably won't be able to go over .460 or maybe .480 lift without interference issues. That's the achilles heel of the Vortecs.

They can be machined to accept different springs/retainers from my understanding. Most people say they can get them to clear .575" but don't suggest going past .550". Crane Cams sells a kit for $250 (springs, retainers) that is good for .550" but I think it can be done cheaper with LT4 springs/retainers and minor machining.

Yes, you can. You hadn't mentioned that being done which is why I said it. :mrgreen:

Thanks for the heads up anyway lol.

I've been doing quiet a bit of research cause I want to get the best bang for the buck on this rebuild. Not looking for anything insane, just a strong DD.
Might just throw the hardened rings in my LT1 build, spray the 300 shot and shoot for a 9 second track car :shock:

I like the Vortec engine in my Nova. Nothing spectacular, just a 9.7:1 355 with an XE268. Lots of torque, fun little engine.

how long ago did u buy this s10? my friend sold his to someone in sussex the other day

:nod:

Looks familiar, huh?
http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg805...jpg&res=medium


When I first looked at it I noticed it was a 305... looks like a truck block and center bolts. He gave me a corvette radiator and flex lite fans cause the radiator was "clogged"; turns out it had no coolant in it. Can't find a leak either. Open diff but it does some fun 1 wheel power slides.

It's in good hands. Have a steal roll pan coming and still trying to get FlippinDaBird to sell his 383 short block lol.

Wait, so do you have Vortecs or not?

Yeah. I have a 250,000+ mileage 1997 Vortec 350. I am in a toss up between a basic rebuild -- praying I can just hone and get rings for the cylinders and then choosing a cam and having the heads cleaned up, screw in studs, and machined to fit a larger cam.

Option 2 is an early style 6.0 vortec (with the longer crank flange) and throwing a carb manifold and msd ignition box.

Option 3 is what I want to do... unfortunately it depends if flippindabird decides to sell his 383 short block or not. Same vortec heads, cam and possibly a 100 shot since I have the spray plate laying around.

Oh OK. I saw 305 and was wondering. Option 3 sounds awesome.

hahaha small world! when that kid got that truck it was in really good shape, but he took it away to school with him and then it sat for a few years

Went with the CC XR276HR (08-423-8).
Does anybody have a recommendation for springs and studs?

here's links for the springs they recommend: http://www.compcams.com/Company/CC/c...?csid=188&sb=2

Don't see a mention of what rockers you are planning on using, so can't pick studs out until we know that.

- Justin

Didn't order rockers yet. Looking to stick with 1.5 rollers. Imagine I will get NSA.
I see the springs they recommend, but the OD of them are too big to fit without machining the heads. Is this usually expensive?

I just dropped the heads off to the machine shop this afternoon, he will call me when he gets them apart.

Would it be cheaper to get a set of beehive springs (26918), 7 degree retainers (787), and 7 degree race locks (648) for like $280 rather than buy the recommended springs and have the heads machined to fit them?

Dunno....ask the shop that has your heads how much it would cost to cut 'em for larger springs. Something like that will only add to their resale value down the road too.

- Justin

If you are going to NSA rockers then you should get the pushrod holes taken care of too.