which cam for a 350??

[lime4x4]

I have a 1986 searay with a 350 4bbl carb. The block was replaced last year with a newer style.I need more bottom end torque. The block is designed to accept a roller cam. So i would like to put a good torque roller cam in

 

[wca_tim]

Re: which cam for a 350??

Honestly, the factory spec cam or something very similiar would probably be about as good as it gets for all around performance.... especially it you're running the original heads and original style pistons...

 

[Coors]

Re: which cam for a 350??

I don't think you will see much difference, for the $ spent.

 

[Bondo]

Re: which cam for a 350??

The block was replaced last year with a newer style.

Ayuh,.... So what's in it Now,..??

 

[lime4x4]

Re: which cam for a 350??

it's still a 350. The old one was a 2 peice rear main seal. The replacement block has a one peice rear main seal and the provision for the roller lifters

 

[Bondo]

Re: which cam for a 350??

Ayuh,....... What Cam,..??..??

Ya gotta Know where your starting from,......

Before you can decide where you Wanta Be.................

 

[JCF350]

Re: which cam for a 350??

Quick and dirty option?

Indexed timing chain. set cam at 4 degrees advance. you will lose some top end.

Part of the setup I use on my 351W. I don't care about top end power much.

 

[lime4x4]

Re: which cam for a 350??

i assume it was the stock cam. The original block was cracked that's why it was replaced

 

[Bondo]

Re: which cam for a 350??

i assume it was the stock cam.

Ayuh,....

Where'd the motor come from,..?? What was it built for,..?? Stock What,..??
There has to be some sort of Specs for it.....

 

[John_S]

Re: which cam for a 350??

What cam do you have now, and heads, and intake?

 

[wca_tim]

Re: which cam for a 350??

It would be most helpful if you could give casting numbers,especially for the heads (although am pretty sure what they are if they're the ones that came on your original engine), and anything you know about the cam and block. It's not so much about a particular cam grind or a certain set of heads, it's a lot more about the whole package working together and being set up to target where and how much power you want / need...

At this point though, even a good description of what you know about the origin of the bottom end and cam that are in it.

 

[lime4x4]

Re: which cam for a 350??

heads are from 1986.The block was a truck block.freezeout plugs replaced with brass ones.The cam was reused from the old engine along with the 4bbl carb and intake,manifolds and water pump. The onlything i added was an electric fuel pump since the block didn't have a provision for a mechanical fuel pump

 

[wca_tim]

Re: which cam for a 350??

Based on the fact that you're running the cam that was specd to run with the other components you have, and the fact that you're looking for low end torque, you're probably not going to see much if any improvement with a cam change, and could wind up a lot worse than now. If you're willing to sacrifice some top end, why not just reprop to a little lower pitch prop, maybe a 4-blade.

Just some thoughts, see what others say...

 

[John_S]

Re: which cam for a 350??

I agree with wca_tim, if your cam/lifters are in good shape now, the roller marine cam won't do much. If you mis-matched lifters on the reinstall, you probably have excessive lobe/lifter wear.

What size boat is it in? If large, than a 350 may be under powered. If in the low-20's or less, and not a barge, there might be issues with engine that are causing it.

Update: Checked your profile. Looks like you have a 26 footer with single 350. Yea, you probably need more torque but it won't come from the cam. A stroker 383 or BB is what it will take. Otherwise, just keep it in good tune, prop it right, and make sure you are not dragging more weight around than you need.

 

[Dakota47]

Re: which cam for a 350??

Put a RV cam in it.. more torque

 

[180shabah]

Re: which cam for a 350??

I vote new prop and trim tabs if you don't have them. Just upgrading the cam isn't going to give you the extra 50-75ft/lbs your looking for. As mentioned above it is going to require a stroker(best choice) or a big block to get you there. Then you will need to upgrade to a bravo(assuming you have an alpha now) or budget multiple drive replacements.