You must be tired of getting average performance from your car all the time. Worse still, your car could have been embarrassing you and making you worry endlessly. You’ve probably been seeking ways to improve your vehicle’s general performance and move it towards excellence. This article on the 7 best cams for 350 engines with Vortec heads would take you a step closer to achieving your goal.
A camshaft works almost like the engine’s brain; it transfers energy from one engine element to the other. It helps control the workings of the cars’ intake and the exhaust valves. If your vehicle’s camshaft is not functioning well, it can affect other essential parts of the automobile, causing the performance to drop. It ensures that the different parts of the engine are correctly connected. This is why you must make the right choice for your camshaft.
You need to find a camshaft that falls within your price range and suits your needs. What you need for your 350 engine with Vortec heads is a camshaft from a credible manufacturer with a long history of producing high-quality products. This is why this article identifies the best products in the market, their features, benefits, and cons.
Are you looking for the perfect camshaft for you? Get knee-deep into this article to discover some hidden treasures.
Best Cams for 350 with Vortec Heads
After taking note of the different camshafts for a 350 engine, we came up with a list of the best ones in the market. They offer exceptional functionalities that would help your car run effectively. They include;
1. CANZILLA — 84005207 Camshaft for Briggs and Stratton
SPECIFICATIONS
- Dimensions: 4.96 x 4.92 x 4.76 inches
- Weight: 1.36 Pounds
- Brand: Canzilla
This is the best choice if you’re looking for a camshaft to replace your old engine. It works effectively for most 215000 Briggs and Stratton engines, this way, you can make your purchase with the assurance that it would be a great fit. Also, it is a suitable choice for various engine models, including Intek model engines.
You get a gasket, two connecting rods, two oil seal rings, and one cleaning tool kit when purchasing this camshaft. This complete pack contains all required to keep your Canzilla 84005207 Camshaft working perfectly. Also, if you want to gain maximum performance from the Camshaft, you must allow professionals to install the cam. You enjoy it and get it properly fitted to your engine.
PROS
- Affordable price
- Free and easy shipping
- Suitable for a wide range of models
- Great design
- High quality
CONS
- It has a pin that fails to rotate to a flat position.
2. Elgin E-1840-P Camshaft
SPECIFICATIONS
- Dimensions: 25 x 2.5 x 2.5
- Weight: 9.16 Pounds
- Brand: Elgin
If you want a manufacturer with a track record of producing high-quality camshafts, the Elgin brand is a sure choice. This brand has been in business since 1919, which shows that they have in-depth knowledge about your vehicle’s specific needs. They know the best measures to promote quality health for your 350 with Vortec heads.
It supports your power brakes effectively and offers quick valve timing. This Elgin product helps in handling the opening and closing of the vehicle valves by using preset timing. Your engine receives adequate protection from any possible failures attributed to camshafts. This camshaft also offers optimal performance as it ensures that the valves remain open to the appropriate extent.
PROS
- Long track record
- Accurate Valve Timing
- Affordable Price
- Works effectively for a Nitrous and turbo
- Great design
CONS
- The front-bearing journal is below the limit for the size.
3. Comp Cams 112-300-11 NSR HRT
SPECIFICATIONS
- Dimensions: 24.2 x 3 x 3 inches
- Weight: 13.27 Pounds
- Brand: Comp Cams
The Comp Cams 112-300-11 is a camshaft that requires no springs without compromising the optimal power. If you’re using a heavier vehicle, this is the best choice for you in the market. It has an impressive mid-range torque and throttle response that distinguishes it from others. The exhaust duration makes it suitable for Modern HEMI Engines as it offers the most air compared to other competitors.
It also features a lifter with the broadest powerband that guarantees high-end performance for its suitable 350 with Vortec heads. It is the first brand to use a new camshaft finish technology that offers incredible performance and strength that works better than regular polishing. This product also uses Micro Surface Performance (MSE), which ensures an improvement in the traditional camshaft lobe and its lobe-bearing faces.
PROS
- Effective load bearing
- Suitable for higher loads
- Improves durability
- No springs required
- Reduces localized stress
CONS
- It might be too big for some trucks.
4. COMP Cams 12-602-4 Big Mutha Thumpr 243/257 Hydraulic Flat Cam
SPECIFICATIONS
- Dimensions: 25 x 3 x 3 inches
- Weight: 8.87 Pounds
- Brand: Comp Cams
If you’re riding a muscle car or street rod, getting this COMP Thumpr camshaft would be most beneficial. It has an extremely long exhaust duration that makes the overlap powerful by producing a hard-hitting exhaust note. This Comp product produces great sound and also features substantial horsepower in torque.
The COMP brand provides three different grinds that work for different performance scenarios ranging from low to high compression to deliver impressive performance. This makes it perfect for automobiles with lower gear ratios and loose torque converters. Regardless of the frequency, you decide to choose, this camshaft would still provide excellent performance for your 350 with Vortec heads.
PROS
- It offers four different levels for great performance
- Features unique designs
- Suitable for muscle cars and street rods
- Long exhaust duration
- Impressive sound
CONS
- It still needs a high stall converter.
5. COMP Cams CL12-601-4 Mutha’ Thumpr 235/249 Hydraulic Flat Cam
SPECIFICATIONS
- Dimensions: 25.4 x 5.5 x 3 inches
- Weight: 13.05 Pounds
- Brand: Comp Cams
It is another incredible product from Comp Cams that offers high performance. It has three camshaft designs, Thumpr, Mutha’ Thumpr, and Big Mutha’ Thumpr, that help provide impressive horsepower gains and a broad torque curve. Its features make it an excellent choice for muscle cars and street rods. When you purchase this camshaft, you also get a set of lifters and a lubricant to ensure proper installation.
It is effective as it offers an early intake valve alongside a long duration for the exhaust. This ensures that the overlapping is on an optimal level to produce powerful performance. Comp Cams CL12-601-4 Camshaft works perfectly with rear gears and converters. The features of this product give impressive horsepower gains and a broad torque curve. It offers an unmatchable performance, especially when compared with competitors.
PROS
- Impressive sound
- Features high energy lifters
- Three different grinds
- Suitable for aftermath converters
- Works for various applications
CONS
- Requires the installation of a vacuum canister
6. COMP Cams CL70-119-6 High Energy 210/210 Hydraulic Flat Cam
SPECIFICATIONS
- Dimensions: 25.5 x 5.5 x 3 inches
- Weight: 11 Pounds
- Brand: Comp Cams
This camshaft is best suited for highway driving, especially because of its features. It offers power and mileage adjustment features from low to mid RPM range. This COMP Cams product works between 1,000 to 5,000 operating range. The product is also an ideal choice for high-energy grinds as they serve as a perfect blend that offers an impressive level of efficiency and performance. If you’re interested in performance street rebuilds, you can choose this product.
When purchasing this product, you need not worry as it works perfectly with manifolds, heads, rockers, gears, and even torque converters. You would also get a set of lifters and an assembly lubricant when you buy this product.
PROS
- High energy grinds
- Suitable for highway driving
- Effective for street rebuilds
- Great duration
- Effective performance
CONS
- It doesn’t work for a high RPM range.
7. COMP Cams CL11-600-4 Thumpr 227/241 Hydraulic Flat Cams
SPECIFICATIONS
- Dimensions: 25.4 x 5.5 x 3.1 inches
- Weight: 14.25 Pounds
- Brand: Comp Cams
The COMP Cams CL 11-600-4 Thumpr Hydraulic flat cam is a product that works perfectly with 2000+ converters and gears. As a brand that provides high performance, you can trust Comp Cams with its high-energy lifters and valve springs. It offers great accuracy in timing, durability, and a hot rod sound. You can also get it in four different levels that you can use in diverse ways. This product is ideal for those with muscle cars and street rods.
It offers a long exhaust duration and a powerful overlap that ensures excellent performance. This Comp Cams product features an exhaust note that offers incredible results. The brand also features designs that provide you with great choices.
PROS
- High energy lifters
- Impressive valve springs
- Accurate timing
- Long exhaust duration
- Durable product
CONS
- You need a professional for installation
Buyer’s Guide:
There are various essential factors that you must carefully consider before making your purchase. A camshaft is critical to the general performance of your engine and vehicle. This is why you need to consider the following points.
- Camshaft type
There are four significant types of a camshaft, and they all function differently. You must be careful to identify it before you make your choice. You can choose a hydraulic roller, hydraulic flat, tappet, solid roller, and solid flat tappet. The flat variations use flat lifters; they are usually lightweight and offer better durability than the others. However, the roller cams feature a wheel, although the lobes are flat. Roller camshafts tend to open the valves faster and facilitate oil and airflow.
- Duration
This is another essential factor to note as it deals with the time required for a valve to open. It is measured in degrees based on the rotation of the crankshaft. The duration affects the width of the cam lobes, and the duration is slower in cases where the lobes are wider. This can largely influence your choice.
- Basic RPM range
The duration determines the RPM range of a camshaft. When the duration increases, the camshaft produces optimal power and performance. Ensure that the RPM range matches other areas of your vehicle like the carburetor, exhaust system, cylinder heads, and even the headers. If you take note of these, it will save you from many troubles.
- Lobe Separation Angle
This has to do with the distance between the point of intake and the exhaust lobes. You can estimate it by measuring the camshaft rotation in degrees. The lobe separation angle helps handle the relation between lobes on the cylinder.
- Lifter
A lifter is a crucial aspect that requires adequate attention. It deals with the length of the cam lobes, and you can also describe it as the distance between the valve and cylinder when measured by inches. This can also guide you to make a perfect choice for your 350 with Vortec heads.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What cam is perfect for my car?
The perfect car for your 350 with Vortec heads depends on several factors, especially the performance you require. You can trust the Comp Cams products and Canzilla to provide all you need.
- Why should I change my camshaft for my 350 with Vortec Heads?
If you’re looking for ways to provide better horsepower, lower emissions, and economize fuel, then you need to replace your camshaft. Various improved designs with better technology can help you achieve even more than that.
- What damages a camshaft?
Various things can cause damage to your camshaft. The most prominent ones deal with lobe wear, using old lifters with a new cam, incorrect valve spring pressure, and interference that can cause damage. You need to be careful about handling your cams to avoid such situations.
Conclusion:
Getting the perfect cam for 350 with Vortec heads can be a drilling task. This is why we’ve helped you put together various projects that stand out based on customer reviews, functionality, and outstanding features. If you care greatly about your car, you will use only quality materials to sustain it. That’s what this article has helped you identify to offer you better ease.