Looking for a good cam to run

**Mr. Chevy** · #1 10-08-2017, 12:48 AM

Looking for a good all around performance camshaft, above stock, that will be used in a stock 69 Malibu 350 engine. Engine originally had a 2 barrel carburetor. Switching that over to a 4 barrel. Car has dual exhaust with stock exhaust manifolds... Stock heads are being re done with new valve stem seals and hardened seats..

Don't want a crazy cam, just a mild/good performer for this motor set up...

Any ideas or information appreciated...

Thanks...

Rich

Tig65gs · #2 10-08-2017, 01:49 AM

How about the the stock L79 cam 350 hp and a holley 300-36 dual plane manifold. Put a fresh set of springs on it and your good to go. As a kid i put a comp cam 280h in a stock 72 350 out of a chevelle with 100k on it,that same manifold,780 holley cause i had it,a 4 speed with 4.11's and it was a fun beater.

marxjunk · #3 10-08-2017, 02:41 AM

i like the old comp cam 280..thumps good..works well on a 350..i little much for a driver..

i think the comp 272? is the largest with out a converter switch..still pops and shakes..sounds more muscle car, but just a touch more thump...lots of mid range

L79 is a great daily driver piece in a 350..but i would never buy one unless i was restoring one..ive put a few in and am always disappointed...

KenMaisano · #4 10-08-2017, 05:37 AM

A Comp 260 or 268 would be best for your application.

**markjohnson** · #5 10-08-2017, 06:32 AM

L-79 camshaft is happiest in a 4-speed car so I'd probably go with a Comp Cam 268 with a nice dual plane intake manifold.

Tig65gs · #6 10-08-2017, 12:12 PM

You can go on any of the cam company websites and find the description of each cam profile and what if any changes are needed or work best.

**Mr. Chevy** · #7 10-08-2017, 11:39 PM

Thanks guys... Forgot to add its a Powerglide Tranny...

Rich

**8secchevelle** · #8 10-09-2017, 01:02 AM

Comp 268 and a holley 300-36 if you can find one !!!

**Lynn** · #9 10-09-2017, 01:28 AM

I posted a long dissertation on all the factors to consider, but it is gone for some reason.
Don't think I am banned. Will try to respond tomorrow evening.

What rear gear you running?

**Lynn** · #10 10-09-2017, 09:37 PM

Are you doing a complete engine rebuild? Guessing you have 441 heads. Huge combustion chambers.
Also, would be nice to know your rear gear, and the intended use of the car.
Boost in performance means different things to different people. If you go the typical “one step better than stock cam” route, for most guys that would entail a cam with a little more duration, and perhaps more lift. Probably a waste of time on your combo. If you are doing a complete engine build and are willing to go for a little more overall horsepower at a higher rpm, you can quit reading now.
The best gain you can hope if you keep the 441 heads is for is more low end torque. I highly recommend the Crane 119611.
More expensive to do a roller, but never have to worry about a cam going flat. You cannot use your original springs with this cam, and will need a special push rod for the fuel pump if you want to keep the mechanical pump.
I have this cam in two different vehicles. First is a 68 El Camino, flat top hyper pistons with a really tight quench (.035) and 186 heads. About 10.2:1 compression if I remember correctly. Stock 68 cast iron intake with rebuilt Q-jet one step leaner on the primaries. I run 10 degrees initial timing (any more, and it “kicks back” with this conservative cam) and 36 total (not including vac. Advance) all in by 3200 rpm. The vac advance is hooked to full manifold vac.
I have a 4L60E trans with a 3.36 (soon to be a 3.31 12 bolt) and tall back tires (275 60 15). I get over 20 mpg on the highway (OD trans helps a lot) with that combo. Even got 24 mpg on one trip. It idles perfectly smooth, as smoothly as any SBC I have ever owned. Pulls hard right off idle. Mind you, you will not be racing this combo, as it runs out of beans about 5200 rpm. You have to decide how much time you want to spend in the upper rev range. With your stock pistons and the 441 heads, you will be below 9.1:1, closer to 8.7:1.
Good news is that this cam works freakin awesome in my Farm truck which is down close to 9:1 compression. Heads are very similar to yours. Don’t remember the casting numbers, but they are similar 76cc chambers as yours with 1.94 intakes and 1.5 exhaust valves. Again, very tight quench.
Regardless of what you plan, contact Eric (vintagemusclecar) on this site. He is a wealth of knowledge and can help you out. If you are dead set on running a flat tappet cam, I believe he can get a comparable Crane in flat tappet. Definitely less expense and work, but as stated, risk of flattening a cam. If you do go flat tappet, don’t use to strong a spring.