Thread: Advice on engine build

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You're right on the money Firebird. A lopey idle is the sound of a motor being inefficient at lower engine rpm's as a result of the extended intake valve closing point that is necessary to make power at higher rpm levels. It was not ground to operate in a street motor. It was ground to operate at the rpm levels necessary for making horsepower in a race mode. In a street motor, you need to make power from 1000 to 4500 rpm's, not 3500 to 7000 rpms. Using a race cam in a street motor tags you as a poser, a guy who is trying to make others think that he has a race motor in his street machine. A street motor that will operate on pump gasoline needs a modest static compression ratio (9.50:1 limit for iron heads, 10.50:1 limit for aluminum heads) that will support good power without detonation and a cam that matches up with the SCR. And like I said, the old guys who know better will just laugh at you when you come loping through the Sonic Drive In. The only guys who will pay attention are the mutton-headed freshmen who don't know anything anyway.
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Ok, thanks for the advice. Do you guys think this cam would be good for my engine style? Mostly street use but may take to the track every now and then. The cam is a summit cam, part number is SUM-1069 and Advertised Duration 280/280, Lift .443/.443 . If this is not a good choice could you guys put a link for a good cam?

This doesn't answer your question but if your open to options, don't rule out an ls motor. I got my eye on 5.3 right now for $500 bucks and for around a total cost of 3k it can be in the car and running with 350 hp and 20 mpg. 3k could be out of your budget but I think you'll be surprised how much you have in a 350 when your done. I shunned the ls idea when I started my 53, It now has an ls in it.

Absolutely agree with Seth. The Chevy Gen I motor is a dead issue. Long live the Gen III small block. A boneyard motor with a cheap and easy turbo install will make an easy 600 horsepower that is still a street motor and idles like a stocker.
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Ok I get that the ls is a good engine but I don't want one! I'd much rather have a carbed sbc.

Originally Posted by 84Monte

Ok I get that the ls is a good engine but I don't want one! I'd much rather have a carbed sbc.

No problem, look here.....
Intake Manifolds - Chevy - LS Series - Victor Series - Edelbrock, LLC.
Bolt on a blow-through carb with a cheap turbo and enjoy 600 hp with a good idle.
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Geez, for like the 5th time I don't want a ls engine! Anyways I've found the cam I'm going to use so thanks for the help everyone

Originally Posted by 84Monte

Geez, for like the 5th time I don't want a ls engine! Anyways I've found the cam I'm going to use so thanks for the help everyone

Sorry, I guess I should have read through the whole thread.

I'll have to be more careful who I respond to after this. Sorry I tried to help and wasted my time and yours.
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what makes you think a carbed engine is better ? your going to dump a lot of money into an engine that will be a dog on the street .

I hope it all works out for you

Summit #SUM-1069 Fair idle, makes good low midrange power. Works best in 350 c.i.d. engines.
This is an excellent choice for a low compression 350 in a heavy car.
And, just so you know, no one here is a mind reader. We have NO idea what modifications have been done to your vehicle UNLESS you tell us... In my initial post I was fishing for info, you ended up giving us some but, for anyone to recommend a cam for "your" vehicle we need to know what it is going into.
Do us all a favor. Go here and fill out their cam recommendation form. COMP Cams® - Cam Recommendation Form
This will give you a good idea of the amount of info needed to do this correctly. Come back and let us know what you find out...
Mark

53 chevy5 , no your fine, I liked your suggestion I just don't want a ls. I made that comment for tech because after I tell him I don't want a ls he sends me a link for ls parts! Lol

Shine, because I want a carb engine.... and a astroracer, you provided a lot of good info. Thanks. But in my first post starting this thread I listed everything I plan to do to this 350. 4 barrel Holley 600cfm carb, 4 barrel intake, headers, performer distributor, timing gears or double roller, and a cam. And maybe port and polish my heads. And the cam I've picked out is the Sum-k1103 which I think will work well with my engine.

And oh, it's going into a 84 monte carlo. 3.73 gears, 350 turbo trans with a shift kit, and electric fuel pump