Cam Thoughts

[SINISTER68]

I have a 350 gm crate motor brand new. Its the zz385 it has fast burn heads forged crank. Its the turnkey motor. I also purchased the 1.6 roller rocker set with the hot cam. The car is going to have a 3" exhaust system. This combo along with a monster 700r4 with a 2500-2800 stall trans is going into a 1968 camaro with posi 3.73 gear. I have heard that the hot cam doesn't really have that lobe sound to it. The sound isn't really my problem though a little more lobe would be nice. The car is a pro touring set up and will be driven on the street most of the time. Should I get a bigger cam with more lobe to it? My hot cam should make the engines horse power at around 430 to 440 from what I have read here and there. I would love to have between 450hp to 475hp. Is this possible with a bigger cam? What would that do to my streetabilty? Aslo would I have to get a bigger stall? My car also has a 9 inch power booster with four wheel disc brakes.

[Lowend]

The ZZ4/385 cam is pretty small. BUT I would honestly suggest installing the motor and driving it before you start changing things. See how you like the feel, and get an idea what (if) you want the car to do differently.
A Cam isn't a magic wand, its just another tool to tune with

[another69]

When you say bigger cam, I assume you mean more duration & usually more overlap. The larger the duration, the higher in the RPM range the peak torque is made, and the higher up the HP is made. So basically, yes, you make more power, but at higher rpm, and alot of times you lose on the bottom end, where you spend 95% of your time. Especially with an automatic.

Please don't make the mistake of getting a bigger cam just because it sounds "better"- it will grow old quick.