Are you hearing strange noises from the valves of your engine? Bad camshafts can result in the improper working of the engine, loud noise from the engine as well as drop-in engine’s power.
As you know that the cams are used for intaking air for combustion in the engine as well as exhausting air after the combustion process. The valves of the engine can be opened and closed with the help of camshafts. So the selection of these camshafts must be carefully done.
For the Chevrolet 350 engine, highly specific camshafts should be used. As you can not use any kind of camshaft for any kind of engine. I will suggest some of the best cams for 350 engines with a Vortec head. Vortec cylinder head increases the efficiency of the camshafts while working. These Vortec heads are designed in a way to increase the lifting of the camshafts to open the valves.
Page Contents
Top Cams For 350 wIth A Vortec Head
A list of best camshafts for your 350 engine with a Vortec head are mentioned below;
1. COMP Cams 12-602-4 Big Mutha’ Thumpr
For those who are interested in street performances, this camshaft is best for their 350 Chevy engines. The idle sound that is produced by the exhaustion of the air from the combustion chamber is what makes your audience attracted to your performance. This smooth exhaustion note is due to the smooth airflow from the chambers of your engine with the help of these best Comp cams.
The shape of circular rings present on the cams determines the duration for the valve to open. The more intake and exhaustion of air would be done through the engine the better the engine would work. Those circular rings on the Comp cams are highly significant because they help to prolong the exhaustion period and help in the production of unique sound from the engine.
You need a higher stall converter of about more than 2800 to get a perfect result. Torque converters are also best to use your car as a streetcar. Its revolution range is between 2500 to 6400 Revolutions Per Minute. This small cam is more good at performance than any larger cam. You do not need to compromise on the durability or the performance of this camshaft because of its less budget.
- Unique sound
- Increase exhaustion
- High RPM range
- High vacuum pressure
2. Edelbrock 2102 Performer-Plus Camshaft
This camshaft is made up of cast iron and works through hydraulic lifters. These hydraulic lifters usually lift the camshaft through the hydraulic pressure inside the combustion chamber, where lots of gases or gasoline is under process. The upward and downward movements of the piston create pressure on the valve of the engine, where cams are located. This is how you get the uplifting of your camshaft.
So this camshaft’s smooth working depends upon the hydraulic lifters that lift it for intake and exhausting of the air. For smooth throttle response, this camshaft produces a high range of torque power. I found its roar to be highly smooth leaving an amazing impression on the audience while performing. It is the best choice for truck drivers, vans, motor homes, or truck campers, etc.
It is almost 14.15 pounds in weight which makes it a little heavier than other camshafts. If your vehicle’s engine has low compression, you can add the maximum torque to your engine with the help of this camshaft. No matter you have a flat top piston installed on your engine, this cam will perfectly produce high torque and power. So, do not wait and go get your best camshaft!
- Easy to install
- Great performance
- High noise
- For daily drives
- Low/mild power
- Not for racings
3. COMP Cams CL12-600-4 Hydraulic Flat Cam
There are different types of cams by Comp cams. These all are highly suggestive for different types of engines. For a 350 Chevy engine, this hydraulic flat cam is very helpful. You can greatly increase the power and performance of your engine through this Comp cam. You can get high horsepower using this cam, within a very small budget. As these camshafts are highly affordable.
You do not need to buy different parts separately if you are looking for high power of the engine. I found an instructional guide, lubricant for the camshafts, and a full set of lifters in the package of these camshafts. You can easily assemble your camshaft with the help of these instructions as well as the necessary items needed for the assembly of your camshaft.
If you are looking for a variation in the horsepower of your Chevy 350 engine, this camshaft is the best choice. It produces 2000 to 5800 Range of Revolutions Per Minute. With its heavy engine, it produces thundering noise that is helpful for your ease of mind as well as for street performances. It is highly suitable for steel rods and muscle cars, for performance, or racing purposes.
- High RPM
- Affordable
- Best sound
- Needs vacuum pressure
4. Comp Cams Hydraulic Roller Cam K-Kit
This Comp Cams is the best choice for the mid-range power of your engine. If you are not too interested in the high power for racing competitions but only in performances then this camshaft is best for you. Intake and exhaust duration would get maximized with the help of this camshaft which helps in getting the best voice of the engine.
This is a roller cam that comes with hydraulic roller lifters. All these items make a perfect set for better performance of your engine. These hydraulic lifters help in lifting the valve to about 0.53/0.59 inches. This valve lifting depends upon the head bearings present on the camshaft. The more the quality of a camshaft the more valve lifting will occur.
Its K-Kit includes different parts. For example, camshafts, set of lifters, valve springs, retainers, locks, valve seals, and instructions. All these items in K-Kit ensure the safety of your engine as well as all the necessary equipment. It also contains an enhanced cylinder head design with a Vortec head which enhances its function. It operates between 1200 to 6000 RPM which is the maximum power production.
- Good torque
- High stability
- Upgraded versions
- Affordable
- Not too big
In short, if you are fed up with your daily driving routines and want some mild change, then this cam is highly recommended. You can increase power a little, as well as you can enhance the sound of your vehicle. It is made up of stainless steel material which increases the durability of your camshaft and makes it long-lasting.
5. Lunati Bare Bones Hydraulic Flat Cam
This Lunati camshaft makes itself noticeable with its idle voice and great mid-range horsepower. If you want to make an impression on the audience of the bracket race, this camshaft will add life to your performance. You are more likely to win the race as well as the hearts of a crowd around you. Its distinctive voice is its best tool and tempts lots of drivers who require a little change.
If you are budget conscious and are willing to spend less and gain more than this Bare Bone camshaft is greatly suggested to you. It will provide you maximum power within a smaller budget range. These camshafts are not only suitable for the Chevy 350 engine but also many other Chevrolet engines Chevrolet. For example, 262, 265,267, 283, 302, 305, 307, 350 and 400. Some engine models are unfit for this cam i.e. LT1 and LT4.
It contains camshafts and lifters and it operates between 2000 to 6000 RPM range. You do not need to worry about the assembly of this cam because you will get an instructional manual that will provide you all the necessary information about the assembly of this Lunati camshaft. It is the best choice for all street performance lovers with no burden on their pockets.
- Best quality
- Modern design
- Highly reasonable
- Loud noise
- Lack valve springs
To conclude, you can increase the efficiency of your cam by adding a stall converter. A stall converter of about 2300 will make you get a high torque and ultimately the best performance. So, it’s time to get a new camshaft and take your car to the street. Its nice sound will help you to grab the attention of everyone around you.
6. Melling Camshaft Hydraulic Flat Tappet
For the small block Chevy 350 engine, this Melling camshaft is well known for its hydraulic flat tappet cams. Hydraulic flat tappet cams are best for mild performances or mild races. You do not need to maintain these cams regularly as they do not need much maintenance. With a less budget range, they are good for a slighter change from daily driving routine. It contains limited RPM so try not to use this cam in high races.
The intake and exhaust lift occurs up to 0.42 and 0.43 inches. The hydraulic lifters help in the lifting of the camshaft from the valves to let the air enter and release from the combustion chamber for the maximum performance of your engine. It is not much heavier at almost 8.63 pounds. You can easily replace it without the help of anyone and also take it anywhere easily.
I found it best for 350 Chevy engines because of its specificity of engine type. It cannot be used easily for any of the engine models or engine types. Its RPM range is almost 5500 in which it operates easily. The maximum lifting of the camshaft produces a loud note which helps in directing everyone’s attention toward your vehicle. You can completely transform your car’s performance just by replacing camshafts.
- Best performance
- Nice sound
- Attention seeker
- Durable
- Engine specific
In short, for the mild races between friend groups, these camshafts are best. To add fuel to the fire its amusing sound will make you feel more ecstatic. There is no need for you to worry about the maintenance of this cam unlike other camshafts, which need proper care and maintenance. Its Vortec head also helps in getting higher efficiency of this camshaft.
7. DNJ CAM3169 Camshaft for Chevrolet
This brand new camshaft has hit the ground because of its best work. You can use this cam for different engine models of Chevrolet including 350 Chevy. One of the unique things about this cam is that it is naturally aspirated. This means that your engine does not need continuous intake or exhaust of the air but it naturally contains the air for the working of your engine.
DNJ engines are famous for their parts of cars and trucks from Japan. These cams are also greatly durable with their best performance. With long term warranty, you can enjoy this DNJ camshaft and within the warranty duration, if you are facing any issue related to this cam, you can replace it or get a refund. For GTO and base Corvette, these camshafts are highly compatible because of their specific type of engine.
This camshaft is used for trucks that can operate on low RPM as well. It should not be used for long races on difficult paths. As it produces low torque which does not allow street performances or serious races or competitions. You can use it for daily driving as it is a 3 bolt camshaft. For 6.0L Vortec engines, this cam comes in the category of hydraulic roller cams.
- Nice sound
- Less torque
- High performance
- Unfit for races
In short, before buying this camshaft you must be knowing its specifications that are necessary for you to know about your engine. If it is fit for your engine type then you can get it. If you are looking for high torque or high power production by this cam, then you must look for other given choices because it is not fit for racing cars, etc.
Buying Guide
Before buying camshafts, you need to know about your requirements for your vehicle. Your vehicle type, engine, your need, etc. different people use cars for different purposes. For some of them, you must be using them for racings, or street stunts, or your rides to hilly areas or deserts but some of them use them simply on the road. If you can narrow down your needs, you can easily buy the best camshaft.
1. Engine Type
One major thing you need to know before buying a camshaft for your car is its engine. You must take any professional’s suggestion about the type of camshaft you need for a specific type of your car’s engine. The up-mentioned camshafts are best for the Chevy 350 engine, which is usually a small block. According to your car’s model, this engine uses horsepower of almost between 145 to 370.
By keeping the engine in your mind, you would see whether the cams are suitable for it or not. As some engines need more camshafts than usual dual overhead cams. For Example, the W engine of Bugatti Veyron needs four camshafts, to push 64 valves. So, the quad cams would be needed there. Hence, before buying a camshaft you must keep the engine model in your mind.
2. Cam-Type
To buy a camshaft, the type of camshaft matters a lot. Different types of camshafts are used for different purposes. There are hydraulic flat tappet cams, solid flat tappet cams, hydraulic roller cams, etc. and they are used for different purposes. If you are interested in street performances, then my suggestion to you would be hydraulic flat cams while solid rollers should be used for serious races.
So as a Chevy 350 engine owner, you must be looking for the best camshafts which are above mentioned. As Chevy has a small block engine so the cams that you use would not be suitable for heavy engines. You do not need hydraulic or solid roller cams for the best working of your engine. So go for different types of cams according to your needs.
3. Maintenance
Maintenance of any auto part is highly required if you wish to keep using it for a longer period. No matter which type of camshaft you are buying, every part needs care. Some of them need high care while others need lesser care. You must get a camshaft that can easily be maintained by you. As per my experience, hydraulic roller camshafts can easily be maintained with no extra care.
Solid roller camshafts are the cams that need more maintenance. So, accordingly, whatever camshaft you are buying, you must be aware of its required maintenance. If it needs high maintenance you can take the help of any professional or if not much maintenance then you can handle it yourself. These cams are one of the basic parts of any engine that help in closing or opening the valve of the engine. If you don’t maintain it properly you can face serious problems.
4. Size
The size of the camshaft also matters. If you have small engines then the cam used in it would also be small. For bigger engines, bigger cams would be needed. It does not mean that if you are buying a big size of the cam then it would give you perfect results. You may notice over time that the result you needed can not be gained through your big camshaft. Hence, knowing the size appropriate for your engine is also necessary.
FAQs
How big a cam can I used for Vortec’s head?
Cams can be used with Vortec heads used on engines. These sealing heads allow 0.42 and 0.47 inches lift of the cams. This is the approximate limit the cam can lift for Vortec heads. You should not use any bigger cam for a Vortec head because a simple cam can easily be fit for the engine using a Vortec head. So there is no need for you to worry about the size of a cam if you are using Vortec heads on combustion cylinders.
Summing It Up
To sum it all up, some of the best cams for 350 with Vortec head engines are mentioned above. All of these cams are specifically used for one or the other type of engine. My best picks among all these mentioned cams are given below;
COMP Cams 12-602-4 Big Mutha’ Thumpr is one of the best cams that is highly compatible with a Chevy 350 engine with a Vortec head. Its high sound is the result of intake or the exhaustion of the air inside the combustion chamber. You can use them for various street performances.
Edelbrock 2102 Performer-Plus Camshaft, is used for mild or less powered engines which are more preferred by daily truck drivers. These cams are not suitable for races or competitions. Otherwise, they are easy to install and perform greatly.
Lunati 10120102LK Bare Bones Hydraulic Flat Cam is the perfect choice for races and competitions. They produce 2300 of high torque which mounts the performance of your car in the race with high sound.
I found out that different cams are used for different purposes. Some are best for races or competitions while some are used for daily drivings. But all these cams are compatible with 350 Vortec head engines. You can easily install them on your truck or racing car and enjoy your drive smoothly. High-power-producing cams are more suggestive for producing loud and thunderous sounds to add life to the performance.
- High performance street, stock converter ok, best with 2000+ converter and gears. Choppy/thumping idle.
- 2,000-5,800 RPM Operating Range
- 227/241 Duration at .050". 107 Degree Lobe Separation Angle. 0.479"/0.465" Valve Lift
- K Kits vary in their contents, but generally contain a camshaft, a set of lifters, valve springs, retainers, locks, valve seals, timing set, assembly lubricant,...
- Early intake valve opening and long exhaust duration create optimum overlap for powerful, hard-hitting exhaust note. Best with aftermarket converters and more...
- TSP CHOPacabra Truck Cam Specs: 214/222 .550/.550 108 LSA 106 ICL
- Cam Kit includes .560 Lift Beehive Springs, Valve Seals and OE Replacement Pushrods
- Introducing the CHOPacabra cam! This is a nasty little beast of cam. Designed to work with LS6 valve springs and a factory torque converter. If you're looking...
- Engines best suited for: 4.8, 5.3, 5.7, 6.0 (Equipped with cathedral port heads)
- Aftermarket Stall Converter Not Required. Factory converter friendly!
- Excellent response, good mid-range, noticeable idle.
- 1,300-5,600 RPM Operating Range
- 218/224 Duration at .050". 110 Degree Lobe Separation Angle. 0.462"/0.469" Valve Lift
- K Kits vary in their contents, but generally contain a camshaft, a set of lifters, valve springs, retainers, locks, valve seals, timing set, assembly lubricant,...
- Excellent performance in street carbureted applications. Quicker opening lobe profiles deliver increased responsiveness and more area under the lift curve.
- Fit type: Universal Fit
- Ultimate street rocker designed for serious performance enthusiasts
- Roller tip reduces friction while stiff design and superior ratio accuracy yields more effective valve lift
- 【Complete Camshaft Kit】Truck camshaft kit includes: Stage III V2 Camshaft Specs (31824100) 218/224 .553/.553 110+0, LS Hat Valve Seals, LS6 Beehive (.560"...
- 【Cam Advantage】The Stage III LS cam has more of a noticable idle, with even more average torque production than the stage II cam. If you need to hook up to...
- 【Fits For】Truck cam kits are an excellent selection for GM trucks and SUVs equipped with 4.8 L, 5.3 L, 6.0 L, 6.2 L engines. These camshafts are designed to...
- 【Premium Quality】Our vortec truck stage 3 camshaft and spring kits are manufactured from high-strength steel, with coating adds corrosion protection, have...
- 【60-Month Warranty】Be confident purchase the truck LS camshaft set. If the stage III cam spring kits fail, crack, stop working or any other problems, please...
- Piston Ring Set---1.5mm x 1.5mm x 3.0mm ring grooving
- Rod Bearing Set. Please verify size needed before ordering.
- Main Bearing Set. Please verify size needed before ordering.
- Engine Gasket Set depends on availability at time of purchase.
- Seat pressure: 92 lbs. @ 1.700 inch, Open Pressure: 230 lbs. @ 1.250 inch
- O.D.: 1.230 inch, I.D.: .876 inch
- Single valve springs with damper
- Approximately .490 inch max lift at recommended installed height
- The Stage 3 V2 camshaft is an amazing all around grind for the truck enthusiast. You sacrifice some low end torque in the quest for higher RPM range power, but...
- LS6 Beehive (.560" lift) valve spring kit (Part Number: SP011-16) or GM LS6 valve spring kit, LS Hat Valve Seals Stage 3 Camshaft Specs (31824100): 218/224...
- Truck Stage III Cam Kit LS 4.8 5.3 6.0 for 99-13 GM Truck Applications.
- VANPERT Truck Camshaft Kit Includes:Pushrods 7.400"：16PCS ,Valve Spring pac1218 16PCS,Camshaft e1841p Stage 3：1PCS,Hat Seals ：16PCS
- Stage 3 camshaft specification spec. 218/224 .553/.553 110+0 A 3-bolt timing gear is required.