QuestionI recently purchased a 1968 SS camaro. The 350 four bolt main that was in it didn't quite run like it should. We thought the valve timing was off, so we took it apart and found the following.
1. Stock bore block and double hump pistons in
good shape.
2. Valves were pretty bad so we sent them to a
machine shop to clean them up.
3. Harland sharp roller rockers (1.5" valve
springs) were not adjusted properly and were
bottoming out on the rocker studs.
4. To our surprise, we discovered it had
Chevrolet phase two "bow tie" high performance
heads. Casting #14011034.
5. Weiand stealth intake manifold. Pt # 22922
6. Edlebrock 850 cfm carb. Pt # 1407-1394
7. Mallory performance distributor and coil.
Pt # 8548201
My question is this: I want to make this car around 350 HP. Nice street rod.
What type of cam, and hydraulic lifters would you recommend ?
AnswerDennis;
HI - I had a 850 d.p. on my l88 but I changed the f/r jets , you could also do some swaping of the jets squater them till you get them the way it runs the best. as the 850 is a lot of gas for the 350, but it will handel it if you can look in the chevy book that chevy h.p. cars were made from the faxctory in long island. at BALDWEN auto speed shop, they have all of the tricks and easy h.p. boosting ideas.I would go with a cam kit, springs,lifters,push rods,retainers,keepers,mushroom seals,spacers if needed.as far as the cam I would look for a hyd. cam that has the same specs or a little bit more than the 327 fuely cam as long as the valves will not hit the pistons. as that is a great street cam and has been for years, I like manley or crane cames.and you can use anti-pumo-up lifters as they are hyd. but work like solids.
if I did not tel you I will now put on a set of headers as that will boost the h.p. a lot.
