hi guys i have a 65 cchev long fleet pick-up with a 396 in it. I've just tore it down and it is worn. I would like to go bigger with cam and carb in order to get it more "peppy" (low to mid) it now has a 600 cfm holley, and engine is stock 1966. 373 rear end, and 350 turbo trans w/shift kit. question... can i put in bigger cam and not worry about valves hitting pistons, I have done a rebuild 350SB but it was all stock parts. any advice on an upgrade (cam, carb) or any problems i would encounter would be appreciated. if u need more info lemme know. thx in advance

It's been a while since I've played with BBC's but if I remember right, you can go beyond the .550" range before you need to worry about valve interference. I would try a COMP. Xtreme Energy cam. I have heard nothing but good things about them! As for a carb, you can easily step up into the 700 range. But, I would not suggest a double pumper in a heavy truck with a auto! GOOD LUCK!

Selecting a cam is going to determin on comp ratio,heads,intake,carb and exhaust.

Hey dude, before you punch a cam in it, you need to remember that their is a groove in the back journal of the camshaft that needs to be their when you get the other camshaft, check with a reputable camshaft manufacturer to make sure that I am correct.

happy roddin'
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Jay396 is correct the 1965 and 1966 need the groove in them and usually has to me machined by a machine shop I haven't found any with the groove already machined in them but the sandard cams for 1967 up will work "just have to be machined". From what I'v read the rear bearing don't have an oil groove instead the grove is on the cam. On my motor the guy machined one in it and it didn't need it so I wasn't getting any oil to the lifters.I have a 1967 396 with .572 lift on the cam and the machine shop told me there was more piston clearance on the bigblock with closed chamber heads than the small blocks but i'm not sure of max lift hope this info help's.
John

hey thanks jay396, and jl_zimmerman you may well have saved me a wrecked cam. also did look at the xtreme line. comp seems to be the most descriptive and have the broadest selection. i'll prolly go w/them. also i looked up #'s for my part, but how would i find comp ratio, it's apart now should have done earlier??? thx again 4 replies.