Do I need to change my cam w/ vortec heads?

[rgretzinger]

I have a new rebuilt stock engine that the p/o put in. I am thinking about putting in vortech heads and an Edlebrock vortec manifold. Do I need to change my cam to take advantage of the power or can I leave it alone? I am assuming it's a very mild cam.

 

[Big Ray]

Many places sell the Vortec heads set up for "high lift" cams. Stock, the heads are capable of only @ .470 lift.

I would make certain of the cam lift before I did anything.

 

[rgretzinger]

That's what I was figuring. Any suggestions on what cam to get. I am sure this has bee covered before but I am not very savvy when it comes to engines.

 

[76zimmer]

there is some conflicting information about how much lift you can run with stock vortec springs....I have personally ran .454 lift with a set I had. Pace performance, and Scoggin Dickey sell them with an upgraded spring for higher lift, but if your looking for towing power, you shouldn't need it.

The valves should have no problem clearing the flattop pistons up to .550 or more, but ALWAYS check for proper valve to piston clearance...using a clay on the piston is a cheap effective way to measure that.

 

[jaybuller]

i would do a 468 lift cam regardless of the springs the vortec heads hav in there. A 468 will sound good and give plenty of low to mid range power....I would go with a comp extream if it where me.

 

[76zimmer]

the problem with the heads isn't the head itself, but the springs...some reports have them binding at anything above a .450 cam.