94 K1500 TBI / Vortec head swap - Cam question

**dispoejoe95** · 10-20-2015

I recently completed a TBI / Vortec head swap. I changed out a few other things as well but for budget reasons I did not change the cam. I am regretting this decision now. For the investment I made I am not happy with how it runs. So...I am going to change the cam out this winter.

My truck's engine already has a roller cam (it's not the original engine) but this cam is pretty pathetic, I posted the specs below. I'm not trying to get too crazy with the new cam, I do a lot of towing and I'd like to take advantage of the heads, intake, etc. that I have already invested in. One thing I am a little concerned with is this engine has a slightly higher compression ratio than the stock engine (9.4:1 vs 9.6:1). Also, with the vortec heads having a slightly smaller combustion chamber (65.3cc vs 64cc) I assume the compression ratio is a little higher yet. I would like to continue using 87 octane if possible.

Any suggestions for a decent budget cam? I am considering GMPP #14097395. Has anyone here used this cam? The handful of reviews I have read people seem to like the power gain and the torque.

My current cam specs:
INTAKE LIFT-.359" * EXHAUST LIFT.384" * INTAKE DURATION @.050-186.5 * EXHAUST DURATION @.050-193.8
Lobe Center Seperation-110.3°

GMPP 14097395
Valve Lift: 0.431 int./0.451 exh.
Duration at 050 inch: 196 int./206 exh
Lobe Center Separation: 109°

Any & all input is appreciated. Thanks!

**1project2many** · 10-20-2015

Howdy.

I've recommended that cam for towing applications before. I've got one in a 302 powered Suburban and another in a 350 powered bus. The 302 uses 1.6 rockers and the 350 uses 1.5 rockers. They work well but calibration work was required for both applications to idle smoothly. I wouldn't expect problems with the compression ratio unless you spend a bunch of time lugging the engine. The vortec heads work well with higher compression ratios. I think you have decent combination planned out.

**Fast355** · 10-20-2015

I have a 395' cam with 1.6:1 rockers in a Vortec 350 powered Express van. I only have 3.73s and run a 4L80E so the gearing is pretty tall. Pulls my 6,000 lbs travel trailer nicely. Mine idled well from the first start, but my previous cam I had dialed in was 215/220 @ .050.

**1project2many** · 10-20-2015

I only mentioned idle because several current descriptions of the cam include "idles smooth."

**Fast355** · 10-20-2015

Originally Posted by 1project2many

I only mentioned idle because several current descriptions of the cam include "idles smooth."

Were you running the Black Box PCM or 0411 Silver PCM?

Reason I ask is I ran a Comp cam

258/264 @ .006,
203/210 @ .050,
.458/.458
(.489/.489 w/ 1.6s),
110* LSA, 106* ICL

On a Hypertech 93 octane tune in an 0411 for weeks without any driveability issues. I put the same tune in my buddies 1997 C1500 with the 0411 swap. He is running an Elgin cam.

210/215 @ .050,
.462/.470" lift,
110 * LSA, 106* ICL.

**Roadknee** · 10-20-2015

Have you done any tuning with the Vortec heads? If not, you're leaving a lot of performance on the table. I like your choice for a cam upgrade, and it should be good for 50 hp over what you're running. Either cam will need tuning though.

**Fast355** · 10-28-2015

Originally Posted by 1project2many

I only mentioned idle because several current descriptions of the cam include "idles smooth."

Here is how the 395 cam idles at 600 rpm with ~16° timing advance more timing made it idle even rougher. At 750 rpm it likes 22° of timing and pulls down to about 40 kpa.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Z3LLrZI7Qw

**1project2many** · 10-29-2015

That sounds pretty good. My Suburban has a black box but the minibus is running a 411.

Are you using ethanol blended fuel? That's about all I can get here.