E-street heads and stock cam - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Redchevy87 · 10-12-2020, 07:26 PM

I’m planning on ditching the smog heads on my 350 this winter. I’ve been doing a lot of research and it came down to Edelbrock e-streets or vortecs. When I ran the numbers, it looks like the cost is almost identical when all is said and done so I figure I might as well go with the e-streets.
Here’s my issue... I’m not going to replace the cam right now. I want to pull the engine to do that and I just don’t have the space to do that right now. Does anybody have any thoughts on how those heads will work with the stock cam? Is it still going to be a noticeable improvement over the stock heads or will it make the engine more of a dog than it already is?

Thanks

geezer#99 · 10-12-2020, 07:50 PM

Gotta be better!
Which heads determines your compression ratio.
If they’re 64 cc you’ll be right near 9 to 1.

You got a link to them?

Redchevy87 · 10-12-2020, 08:29 PM

I am looking at the 64cc heads. I’m thinking heads, Edelbrock rpm intake and 600 or 650 car this winter and then a mild cam down the road. I’ve already got a mildly built 700r4 with a 1800-2000 converter and 3.73 gears.

geezer#99 · 10-12-2020, 08:35 PM

Check this chart and you’ll see 9 to 1 doesn’t need much more cam than stock.

https://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/..._compatibility

Mike C · 10-12-2020, 08:40 PM

E streets are a great head, but would be crazy IMO to have it that far apart and not do a cam now. The 204/214 Performer is a great cam for a mild driver. We did that in my kids Jimmy. With those heads, I would go even bigger. No bigger than 218 degrees at .050 on the intake though. We used the Summit branded cam and they have several grinds as well as does Elgin.

garyd1961 · 10-12-2020, 08:46 PM

The GM vortec engine doesn't come with a big cam but makes good power. If you are looking for low end torque either set of heads and the stock cam should work. Unless you are sure about changing the cam later you may want to consider a dual plane intake

Redchevy87 · 10-12-2020, 08:47 PM

I’m planning on ditching the smog heads on my 350 this winter. I’ve been doing a lot of research and it came down to Edelbrock e-streets or vortecs. When I ran the numbers, it looks like the cost is almost identical when all is said and done so I figure I might as well go with the e-streets.
Here’s my issue... I’m not going to replace the cam right now. I want to pull the engine to do that and I just don’t have the space to do that right now. Does anybody have any thoughts on how those heads will work with the stock cam? Is it still going to be a noticeable improvement over the stock heads or will it make the engine more of a dog than it already is?

Thanks

**Captainfab** · 10-12-2020, 10:01 PM

IMO it makes no sense to have the engine that far apart and not upgrade the cam now. You have a stall converter capable of a much bigger than stock cam.

Redchevy87 · 10-13-2020, 10:51 AM

I agree that it would make sense to do the cam now. This is going to be my first time getting into an engine and from the research I’ve done, it seems like it would be very difficult to do a cam swap without pulling the engine. I’m going to be working in a tiny one car garage with barely enough room to walk around the truck so I just don’t have the space to pull the engine to work on it.

geezer#99 · 10-13-2020, 11:12 AM

What truck?

Redchevy87 · 10-13-2020, 11:35 AM

It’s an 87 C10(R10)

geezer#99 · 10-13-2020, 11:58 AM

If I recall my 84 had a deep shroud. Lots of room from the engine forward. Likely room enough for a cam swap with the rad out. Maybe hood latch would need moved.
Measure it. You might be ok.
I’ve always avoided engine removal for simple jobs like cam swaps or rear main seal jobs.
Too much wasted time and money.

Redchevy87 · 10-13-2020, 12:27 PM

Hmmm... I’ll have to take some measurements. Also, to be honest, I’m a little apprehensive about the whole cam break in process.

geezer#99 · 10-13-2020, 12:47 PM

What do you use your truck for?
Daily driver, once in awhile driver?
What other mods?
Like headers or convertor?
Might be heads and cam gain you nothing.

And even after you’ve done a dozen cam break ins you’ll feel nervous. Hoping nothing goes wrong mostly.

**truckster** · 10-13-2020, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geezer#99

And even after you’ve done a dozen cam break ins you’ll feel nervous. Hoping nothing goes wrong mostly.

True story.

geezer#99 · 10-13-2020, 01:57 PM

Another belated thought.
87 Tbi ,computer Control!
Any performance mods might need a computer reflash.
Just one more thing to consider.

Redchevy87 · 10-13-2020, 02:12 PM

It’s an 87 but a previous owner swapped in a basic reman 350 with a carb and got rid of all the computer stuff. It originally had a tbi 350. I just use the truck as a weekend cruiser. Right now it has a no name aluminum intake, headers and an 1800-2000 converter.

geezer#99 · 10-13-2020, 03:39 PM

Not knowing what cam you got you could just use some bolt on heads.
Then you’ll get the bug and want more hp and a cam will be needed.

Tom · 10-13-2020, 03:39 PM

Why in the world would you pull the engine to do a cam swap???
Either set of heads are basically stock heads, any small cam will work just fine.

burnin oil · 10-13-2020, 10:36 PM

I have done many cam swaps in 67-87 trucks without pulling the motor. After the top is stripped you are only looking at pulling the radiator, water pump, fuel pump, and timing chain and cover to swap cams.
Possibly replace the oil pan gasket but that's up to you and how the timing cover comes out . Persoanlly I think the worst part is draining the radiator or torquing the head bolts in the chassis.

Rick Bollinger · 10-13-2020, 11:16 PM

I bought this kit for my 350 and ended up doing a 383 with it instead. Eagle rotating assy. and this top end and was happy with the dyno results. I built it with this mild cam from the kit. Stock torque converter 700r4 trans w/3:73 gears. I ended up with 404 HP and 463 torque. I don't have it in the truck yet but I am very happy with the dyno runs. Built for a daily driver or coast to coast wherever I want to go engine.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/e...placementparts
I would say you would be happy with those heads. If funds are available consider the whole top end kit. Its all matched works together. And comes with gaskets and bolts.

Redchevy87 · 10-14-2020, 09:52 AM

I see that kit comes with a performer eps intake. I was planning on going with a performer rpm intake? Does anybody know of a reason to go with one or the other?

geezer#99 · 10-14-2020, 10:04 AM

The eps works better in the mid range. From 3 to 4000 rpm.
Performer rpm works up higher. From 3500 to 6500.
A mild motor like you plan would use the eps better.
Only problem I have with that kit is the cam is a bit big for your compression ratio.

Tom · 10-14-2020, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geezer#99

The eps works better in the mid range. From 3 to 4000 rpm.
Performer rpm works up higher. From 3500 to 6500.

I've never seen dyno results that show that. Granted, I haven't really looked at any in some years now. But overall the RPM is a better intake imo.

geezer#99 · 10-14-2020, 08:20 PM

Look at them both on summit and the operating range is right there.

10-12-2020, 07:26 PM	#1
Redchevy87 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Freeville Ny Posts: 37	E-street heads and stock cam I’m planning on ditching the smog heads on my 350 this winter. I’ve been doing a lot of research and it came down to Edelbrock e-streets or vortecs. When I ran the numbers, it looks like the cost is almost identical when all is said and done so I figure I might as well go with the e-streets. Here’s my issue... I’m not going to replace the cam right now. I want to pull the engine to do that and I just don’t have the space to do that right now. Does anybody have any thoughts on how those heads will work with the stock cam? Is it still going to be a noticeable improvement over the stock heads or will it make the engine more of a dog than it already is? Thanks

10-12-2020, 07:50 PM	#2
geezer#99 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bowser Posts: 13,510	Re: E-street heads and stock cam Gotta be better! Which heads determines your compression ratio. If they’re 64 cc you’ll be right near 9 to 1. You got a link to them?

10-12-2020, 08:29 PM	#3
Redchevy87 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Freeville Ny Posts: 37	Re: E-street heads and stock cam I am looking at the 64cc heads. I’m thinking heads, Edelbrock rpm intake and 600 or 650 car this winter and then a mild cam down the road. I’ve already got a mildly built 700r4 with a 1800-2000 converter and 3.73 gears.

10-12-2020, 08:35 PM	#4
geezer#99 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bowser Posts: 13,510	Re: E-street heads and stock cam Check this chart and you’ll see 9 to 1 doesn’t need much more cam than stock. https://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/..._compatibility

10-12-2020, 08:40 PM	#5
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,709	Re: E-street heads and stock cam E streets are a great head, but would be crazy IMO to have it that far apart and not do a cam now. The 204/214 Performer is a great cam for a mild driver. We did that in my kids Jimmy. With those heads, I would go even bigger. No bigger than 218 degrees at .050 on the intake though. We used the Summit branded cam and they have several grinds as well as does Elgin. __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

10-12-2020, 08:46 PM	#6
garyd1961 Registered User Join Date: May 2016 Location: Henderson NC Posts: 975	Re: E-street heads and stock cam The GM vortec engine doesn't come with a big cam but makes good power. If you are looking for low end torque either set of heads and the stock cam should work. Unless you are sure about changing the cam later you may want to consider a dual plane intake

10-12-2020, 08:47 PM	#7
Redchevy87 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Freeville Ny Posts: 37	E-street heads and stock cam I’m planning on ditching the smog heads on my 350 this winter. I’ve been doing a lot of research and it came down to Edelbrock e-streets or vortecs. When I ran the numbers, it looks like the cost is almost identical when all is said and done so I figure I might as well go with the e-streets. Here’s my issue... I’m not going to replace the cam right now. I want to pull the engine to do that and I just don’t have the space to do that right now. Does anybody have any thoughts on how those heads will work with the stock cam? Is it still going to be a noticeable improvement over the stock heads or will it make the engine more of a dog than it already is? Thanks

10-12-2020, 10:01 PM	#8
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,246	Re: E-street heads and stock cam IMO it makes no sense to have the engine that far apart and not upgrade the cam now. You have a stall converter capable of a much bigger than stock cam. __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

10-13-2020, 10:51 AM	#9
Redchevy87 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Freeville Ny Posts: 37	Re: E-street heads and stock cam I agree that it would make sense to do the cam now. This is going to be my first time getting into an engine and from the research I’ve done, it seems like it would be very difficult to do a cam swap without pulling the engine. I’m going to be working in a tiny one car garage with barely enough room to walk around the truck so I just don’t have the space to pull the engine to work on it.

10-13-2020, 11:12 AM	#10
geezer#99 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bowser Posts: 13,510	Re: E-street heads and stock cam What truck?

10-13-2020, 11:35 AM	#11
Redchevy87 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Freeville Ny Posts: 37	Re: E-street heads and stock cam It’s an 87 C10(R10)

10-13-2020, 11:58 AM	#12
geezer#99 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bowser Posts: 13,510	Re: E-street heads and stock cam If I recall my 84 had a deep shroud. Lots of room from the engine forward. Likely room enough for a cam swap with the rad out. Maybe hood latch would need moved. Measure it. You might be ok. I’ve always avoided engine removal for simple jobs like cam swaps or rear main seal jobs. Too much wasted time and money.

10-13-2020, 12:27 PM	#13
Redchevy87 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Freeville Ny Posts: 37	Re: E-street heads and stock cam Hmmm... I’ll have to take some measurements. Also, to be honest, I’m a little apprehensive about the whole cam break in process.

10-13-2020, 12:47 PM	#14
geezer#99 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bowser Posts: 13,510	Re: E-street heads and stock cam What do you use your truck for? Daily driver, once in awhile driver? What other mods? Like headers or convertor? Might be heads and cam gain you nothing. And even after you’ve done a dozen cam break ins you’ll feel nervous. Hoping nothing goes wrong mostly.

10-13-2020, 01:57 PM	#16
geezer#99 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bowser Posts: 13,510	Re: E-street heads and stock cam Another belated thought. 87 Tbi ,computer Control! Any performance mods might need a computer reflash. Just one more thing to consider.



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10-13-2020, 02:12 PM	#17
Redchevy87 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Freeville Ny Posts: 37	Re: E-street heads and stock cam It’s an 87 but a previous owner swapped in a basic reman 350 with a carb and got rid of all the computer stuff. It originally had a tbi 350. I just use the truck as a weekend cruiser. Right now it has a no name aluminum intake, headers and an 1800-2000 converter.

10-13-2020, 03:39 PM	#18
geezer#99 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bowser Posts: 13,510	Re: E-street heads and stock cam Not knowing what cam you got you could just use some bolt on heads. Then you’ll get the bug and want more hp and a cam will be needed.

10-13-2020, 03:39 PM	#19
Tom driving is in my blood Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 5,690	Re: E-street heads and stock cam Why in the world would you pull the engine to do a cam swap??? Either set of heads are basically stock heads, any small cam will work just fine. __________________ -78 c10 short/step: 388cid, M20, 5/5 drop, lots more. Playtoy and first vehicle. -98 c1500 x-cab: 5.7L, 17" rims, 5/6 drop, flowmaster, helper bags,NBS rear disk brakes. -02 Suburban 4x4: leveled front -CBR600F4i, CBR600RR, CBR1000RR, and standup skis DISCLAIMER: I cant spell for the life of me.

10-13-2020, 10:36 PM	#20
burnin oil Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Eastern TN Posts: 1,919	Re: E-street heads and stock cam I have done many cam swaps in 67-87 trucks without pulling the motor. After the top is stripped you are only looking at pulling the radiator, water pump, fuel pump, and timing chain and cover to swap cams. Possibly replace the oil pan gasket but that's up to you and how the timing cover comes out . Persoanlly I think the worst part is draining the radiator or torquing the head bolts in the chassis.

10-13-2020, 11:16 PM	#21
Rick Bollinger Registered User Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Colchester IL Posts: 284	Re: E-street heads and stock cam I bought this kit for my 350 and ended up doing a 383 with it instead. Eagle rotating assy. and this top end and was happy with the dyno results. I built it with this mild cam from the kit. Stock torque converter 700r4 trans w/3:73 gears. I ended up with 404 HP and 463 torque. I don't have it in the truck yet but I am very happy with the dyno runs. Built for a daily driver or coast to coast wherever I want to go engine. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/e...placementparts I would say you would be happy with those heads. If funds are available consider the whole top end kit. Its all matched works together. And comes with gaskets and bolts.

10-14-2020, 09:52 AM	#22
Redchevy87 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Freeville Ny Posts: 37	Re: E-street heads and stock cam I see that kit comes with a performer eps intake. I was planning on going with a performer rpm intake? Does anybody know of a reason to go with one or the other?

10-14-2020, 10:04 AM	#23
geezer#99 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bowser Posts: 13,510	Re: E-street heads and stock cam The eps works better in the mid range. From 3 to 4000 rpm. Performer rpm works up higher. From 3500 to 6500. A mild motor like you plan would use the eps better. Only problem I have with that kit is the cam is a bit big for your compression ratio.

10-14-2020, 08:20 PM	#25
geezer#99 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bowser Posts: 13,510	Re: E-street heads and stock cam Look at them both on summit and the operating range is right there.

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