[beetle9]

I have a question concerning the chevy small block engines family. Since there are several ranging from 265 to 350, does it make sense that the same cam would be proper for all. I have a 305 for example and the aftermarket cam offerings are for 265-350 ci. Would not a cam considered as high performance for a 350 be considered radical for a 305 or 265? Given the smaller cc chambered heads, smaller bore etc in engines less than 350 would the cam not react differently? Any info would be appreciated.

[78 monte]

When they say 265-400 they mean that the cam will physicly fit in any sbc.As for size what is mild in a 350 or 400 will be hot in a 283 or 265.Picking specs you need to pick according to your engine size as well as compression and gear etc...Theres allot to cam selection,everything need to match,especially weight,compression,gear,tranny and cubic inches.Prett much the more cubes the more torque,the heaver the car the more torque needed,the bigger the cam the less low rpm torque.

Say in a 3500lb car with a 283/auto you'll ant a smaller cam to build torque down low.Say the same car has a 4spd.now you can go w/ a bigger cam cause you have the option of sidestepping the clutch up higher were the horses are being made.
Now say the 3500lb. car has a 350/auto you'd e able to go w/ a bigger cam than the 283/auto cause you have more cubes making more torque to yank you off the line.
Rear gears also effect in the way that the bigger the gear the easyer it is or the motor to pull you off the line.So then you would be able to put a bigger cam to make power in the high rpm's cause you allready have enough off the line.
Its hard to get this from my head to the screen in understandable english.So if this alls ya up ask 4Jaw.