What Size Cam Is In A Stock Chevy 350

What Size Cam Is In A Stock Chevy 350?

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Suppose the engine of the car is the heart, then the camshaft is the veins of it – which supply the fuel.

Camshaft basically works by rotating and creating energy, that opens up the valves. When the valves open, gasoline enters into the cylinders. 

Many people think that the bigger the cam is, the better. But practically the case is not like this. If you are wondering about what size cam is in a stock Chevy 350, read the full article below. 

What Are The Specs On A Stock 350 Cam?

A perfect camshaft can increase the performance of the engine of its highest. The perfect one does not need to be the pricy one or have to have all the high-end features as well. The most important thing to notice of a camshaft is it’s RPM operating range. Because it is here the engine acquires the most horsepower. The ideal range of RPM for camshaft is around 2000-6500.

The exhaust and intake lobe’s angle should be set right to avoid choppiness when the vehicle is not moving. 107-108 degree is the appropriate angle where the exhaust and intake lobes where most likely mess up. Plus the valve lift has to be between 0.479″ to 0.480″ approximately. 

Advertised duration of the camshaft has to be between 279°- 297° and duration at .050″ should be around 227°- 257°.

Those should be the ideal specification of a camshaft of Stock Chevy 350. Now, let’s see the cam size in a stock Chevy 350.

What Size Cam Is In A Stock Chevy 350?

GM released the popular Chevy 350 engine in 1967 which took over the market in a short time. We saw it used in the Chevrolet Corvette, Chevrolet Caprice wagon and smaller mobile homes. Now, let’s see the stock Chevy 350 cam specs so that you can buy aftermarket parts matching the requirements.

Specs of the camshaft

In the Chevy 350 engine, you can see two main parts; a hydraulic camshaft, and a hydraulic lifter. Here, the intake and exhaust valves feature a duration of 218 seconds with 0.5 RPM each. 

Again, the lift capacity of both intake and exhaust valves is 0.457 inches, with a total duration of 268 seconds. Regarding the lobe center-line specs, its intake valve is 105 degrees, and the exhaust valve is 110 degrees. Finally, the rocker arm ratio is 1:5.

Size requirements

Knowing the size specs is also important because the same cam model has several variations. Here, the 2 piston rings come with a bore of 4″ with a displacement of 350 cubic inches. Among them, one piston ring features a compression ratio of 3.9″ to 0.622″. If you are wondering about the height, both of the piston rings are 1.56″ tall. 

Moreover, the measurement of minimum intake diameter of the cylinder head is 1.94″. Again, the head’s exhaust diameter has a minimum measurement of 1.5″. The connecting rod has a 3.48″ stroke, and its length is 5.7 inches. 

Torque requirements

After the size, you need to match the torque specifications. Timing is very important for camshafts, and the three bolts connecting to the timing chain features 20 foot-pounds of torque. 

Among 3, one bolt on the rod that connects the pistons to the crankshaft has a torque of 20 foot-pounds. The second bolt and third bolt have torque specifications of 45 foot-pounds, and 75 foot-pounds respectively.

What Are The Best Cams For Chevy 350?

Matching the Chevy 350/350 HP cam specs, you can get any of the following to ensure high performance.

1. COMP Cams CL12-600-4

Having 2,000-5,800 RPM operating range, 227/241 duration at .050″, and a hard-hitting exhaust note make this our most favorite model of all. 

2. COMP Cams 12-602-4 Big Mutha

9.5:1 compression, more than 2800 stall, 243/257 duration at .050”, .500 inch/.486-inch lift and 2,200 to 6,100 RPMs range are the noticeable features of this cam. 

3. SB Chevy 283 327 350 400 Hi-Perf RV Cam

Its RPM ranges from 2000 to 6500, which is better than the other two. Also, it has 108° lobe separation angle, 282° duration, 227/241 duration at 0.500″, and 0.480 valve lift features.

FAQs

How much HP does a cam add to a 350?

There are no straight answers to that question because it depends on several factors. However, you can expect a 20 to 30 HP increase in the performance of the engine after the installation.

What is a good cam for a stock 350?

Here, we also can’t give you a straight answer to the question. It is because there are various factors to consider, and the most suitable one varies from preferences and purposes of the owners. 

What is the biggest cam for stock 350?

COMP Cams CL12-600-4 Thumpr 227/241 Hydraulic Flat Cam is considered one of the biggest cams for stock 350. You should not just buy a random cam as it is important to match other criteria as well.

Conclusion

We hope that you have got a clear answer to the question, what size cam is in a stock Chevy 350? Now, you can check out the aftermarket parts and choose the right cam for your vehicle. 

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