Hey gearheads! Are you looking to seriously boost the performance of your Chevy 350 small-block engine? Then let's talk camshafts! Swapping out your stock cam for a performance aftermarket camshaft is one of the best ways to unlock hidden horsepower and torque. But with so many options out there, choosing the right camshaft for your needs can feel overwhelming. Don't worry, guys; I'm here to break it all down and help you make the perfect choice.

Why Upgrade Your Chevy 350 Camshaft?

The camshaft, or "cam," is a critical component in your engine. It controls when the intake and exhaust valves open and close, which directly impacts how well your engine breathes and performs. A stock camshaft is designed for smooth operation and fuel efficiency, which often sacrifices peak power. By upgrading to a performance camshaft, you can dramatically alter your engine's characteristics to achieve specific goals.

Here's what a camshaft upgrade can do for your Chevy 350:

• Increased Horsepower and Torque: This is the most common reason for a cam swap. Performance cams are designed to keep the valves open longer and/or lift them higher, allowing more air and fuel into the cylinders. This results in a bigger combustion and more power.
• Improved Throttle Response: A well-chosen cam can make your engine feel more responsive and eager to accelerate.
• Enhanced Top-End Power: If you're looking for more power at higher RPMs, a performance cam can deliver.
• Aggressive Sound: Let's be honest, the lopey idle of a performance cam sounds awesome and gives your car a more aggressive personality. This is subjective, but many enthusiasts love that classic muscle car rumble.
• Customized Engine Characteristics: Different cam designs can tailor your engine's powerband to your specific needs, whether you want more low-end torque for towing or more high-end horsepower for racing.

Understanding Camshaft Specifications

Before diving into specific camshaft recommendations, it's important to understand the key specs that define a cam's characteristics. These specs determine how the camshaft will affect your engine's performance.

• Duration: Measured in degrees, duration refers to how long the intake and exhaust valves are held open. Longer duration cams generally produce more top-end power but can sacrifice low-end torque. When thinking about duration, consider how you drive your car most of the time. Do you need that low-end grunt for daily driving, or are you primarily concerned with high-RPM performance at the track?
• Lift: Lift refers to how far the valves are opened. Higher lift cams allow for greater airflow into the cylinders, which can increase horsepower. Be sure to check your cylinder head and valve train to ensure they can handle the increased lift. Clearance is key here; you don't want your valves hitting the pistons!
• Lobe Separation Angle (LSA): LSA is the angle between the centerline of the intake lobe and the centerline of the exhaust lobe. A tighter LSA (e.g., 106-110 degrees) generally results in a more aggressive idle and improved low-end torque, while a wider LSA (e.g., 112-114 degrees) typically produces smoother idle and better top-end power. The LSA plays a huge role in the engine's overall character.
• Valve Overlap: Valve overlap occurs when both the intake and exhaust valves are open simultaneously. More overlap can increase power but can also lead to a rougher idle. This is where that lopey idle sound comes from, but it's a trade-off with idle quality.
• Camshaft Type: There are different types of camshafts, including hydraulic flat tappet, hydraulic roller, and solid roller. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of performance, reliability, and cost. Hydraulic flat tappet cams are the most common and affordable, while roller cams offer improved performance and durability but are more expensive.

Choosing the Right Camshaft for Your Chevy 350

Selecting the perfect camshaft for your Chevy 350 depends on several factors, including your engine's configuration, intended use, and budget. Here are some key considerations:

• Engine Configuration: Is your engine stock, or does it have other performance upgrades like aftermarket cylinder heads, intake manifold, and exhaust system? The camshaft should be matched to the other components in your engine for optimal performance. For example, if you have high-flowing cylinder heads, you'll want a cam that can take advantage of that increased airflow.
• Intended Use: Will your car be used primarily for street driving, drag racing, or a combination of both? A street car will benefit from a cam that provides good low-end torque and a smooth idle, while a race car can handle a more aggressive cam that prioritizes top-end power. Think about where you want the power to be in the RPM range.
• Budget: Camshafts range in price from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. Consider your budget when choosing a camshaft and factor in the cost of any necessary supporting components, such as valve springs, lifters, and pushrods. Don't forget that you might need a new timing chain or gears as well.
• Compression Ratio: Your engine's compression ratio plays a crucial role in camshaft selection. Higher compression engines can typically handle more aggressive cams. Be sure to choose a cam that is compatible with your engine's compression ratio to avoid detonation or other issues.

Popular Camshaft Recommendations for Chevy 350

Alright, let's get to some specific camshaft recommendations for your Chevy 350. Keep in mind that these are just suggestions, and the best cam for you will depend on your specific needs and goals.

• Mild Street Cam: For a mild street build, consider a hydraulic flat tappet cam with a duration of around 200-210 degrees at 0.050" lift and an LSA of 112-114 degrees. This type of cam will provide a noticeable improvement in power and throttle response without sacrificing drivability or fuel economy. A good example is the Edelbrock Performer RPM cam.
• Aggressive Street Cam: If you're looking for a more aggressive cam for your street car, consider a hydraulic roller cam with a duration of around 220-230 degrees at 0.050" lift and an LSA of 110-112 degrees. This type of cam will deliver more top-end power but may have a slightly rougher idle. A popular choice is the Comp Cams Xtreme Energy series.
• Drag Racing Cam: For a dedicated drag racing engine, consider a solid roller cam with a duration of around 240-250 degrees at 0.050" lift and an LSA of 106-110 degrees. This type of cam will provide maximum power at high RPMs but will have a very rough idle and may not be suitable for street driving. Examples include cams from Lunati or Crower.

Installation and Tuning

Installing a new camshaft is a relatively straightforward process, but it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. You'll need to remove the intake manifold, valve covers, and timing cover to access the camshaft. Be sure to lubricate the new cam lobes and lifters with assembly lube before installation.

After installing the new camshaft, you'll need to adjust the valve lash (if applicable) and retune your engine's fuel and ignition settings. A proper tune is essential to ensure optimal performance and prevent engine damage. Consider taking your car to a qualified tuner for a professional tune.

Final Thoughts

Upgrading your Chevy 350's camshaft is a fantastic way to unlock serious performance gains. By understanding camshaft specifications and considering your engine's configuration and intended use, you can choose the perfect cam to meet your needs. Remember to factor in the cost of supporting components and professional tuning to ensure a successful and reliable upgrade. So, what are you waiting for? Time to unleash the beast within your Chevy 350! Good luck, and happy wrenching, guys!