Vortec cam?

[Jer]

I just acquired a vortec motor and plan on swapping the heads on my 79 350. Would there be any benefit to put the vortec cam in as well? Are any modifications needed or can the cam just slide in?

[z28rod]

Its a roller cam in the vortec. dont think it will work without mods.

[retorq]

Even if you didn't need mods that's a pretty tame cam for a Camaro...

[pdq67]

Please pick the cam based on your compression ratio so it will match the engine!

pdq67

[1972L]

If you are attempting to put the cam in your 79 block
it's not gonna work
a) no cam retainer on front of block
b) stock roller lifters will not work in a 79 block (they will drop in, but the dogbones will not fit without lots of work)
c) block has no provisions for spider (some have drilled the block to make it fit)
d) there is no fuel pump lobe on a Vortec cam
e) you will need to change your distributor gear (the factory Vortec gear is Mellonized, the Vortec gear has a smaller ID, .491" vs .500" for a standard HEI)

[Jer]

Originally Posted by 1972L

If you are attempting to put the cam in your 79 block
it's not gonna work
a) no cam retainer on front of block
b) stock roller lifters will not work in a 79 block (they will drop in, but the dogbones will not fit without lots of work)
c) block has no provisions for spider (some have drilled the block to make it fit)
d) there is no fuel pump lobe on a Vortec cam
e) you will need to change your distributor gear (the factory Vortec gear is Mellonized, the Vortec gear has a smaller ID, .491" vs .500" for a standard HEI)

Thank you very much, just the info I was looking for.

I thought about putting the whole vortec motor in but Im just too poor right now to rebuild the bottom end, it spun a rod bearing.

[1972L]

what cam is in the 79 block now ?

[Jer]

In all honesty I couldn't tell you. I bought the car Feb 08. I do know the 350 in it is from a 76 van but that's about all the info I have from the stamp on the block deck. I doubt it was modified from stock as the only modification I have found was a cd player and some crappy 6X9's hacked into the rear deck.

[tom3]

You'll need the self align rockers so I'd suggest a set of 1.6 ratio rollers. Bump up the lift a bit, work well with these heads.

[pdq67]

Again.......

"Please pick the cam based on your compression ratio so it will match the engine!"

If you don't, then live w/ it..

Been there, done it!

pdq67

[Jer]

Originally Posted by tom3

You'll need the self align rockers so I'd suggest a set of 1.6 ratio rollers. Bump up the lift a bit, work well with these heads.

Neither the engine in the car nor the complete vortec motor will have the self aligning rockers?

[Simon@London]

Originally Posted by Jer

Neither the engine in the car nor the complete vortec motor will have the self aligning rockers?

If your just stripping those heads off an engine to stick on your 79 then they already have the correct rockers. What heads are those exactly your thinking about using ? Are they 061 stamped under the covers ?

Also to install them onto your 76 engine your intake needs to go as well.

Like pdq67 say's, find out your end result like compression , tranny, rear gears and just what that car will be then select the proper cam. You may have flat tops in that 76 meaning your going up, up, up in compression and the cam required may differ big time.

[Jer]

I haven't looked for a casting number, where can I find it? I have read about the swap from the sticky and am getting an intake to match the heads. I was planning on just putting the heads on and just driving it until I can put money into the motor later on. Do I have to change my cam too?

[80'427]

no you don't have the change cams but it will help HP.

[pdq67]

Fwiw, Powerhouse sell's inexpensive Vortec stock type w/ roller tipped 1.6 ratio rockers if not mistaken.

Look in their pdf e-cat if you want to, but closely for them!

pdq67