hey fellas, new member here. i have an 81 olds cutlass calais which i have owned for 21 yrs. was completely stock when i bought it. has a 74 olds 350, turbo 350 trans and olds posi with 4.10 gears that i have added. my problem is that my cam is pretty aggressive so it does not create enough vacuum to run power brakes. i have tried extra canister and electric vacuum pump but i dont like it. i want to install a cam that will let me run power brakes without all that extra crap. engine has 10.5-1 pistons, edelbrock performer intake, holley dual pump single feed 750 carb, headmen headers, msd 6a ignition box with msd coil. anyone out there run into this problem, if so what cam did ya come up with. i also understand there are other i options out there such as converting to manual brakes or converting to hydraboost, if someone has done either let me know how that worked out. i am just thinking it may be easier to swap cams. i am not driving it because of this brake issue. only put 100 miles in last 6 yrs. any advise u guys can give is greatly appreciated.
thanks
tim

 

Im using the Mondello jm 20 22-10 cam for that exact reason. The cam is an Engle cam and they know what there doing. I spoke with lynn and was told power front discs were np with this cam. look at my w31 converter question in this forum for the cam specs.

 

thanks surfrat, what do you mean "np" brakes. i will check into that cam. did you have same problem.....did that cam fix the vacuum problem? i will look up that thread. thanks again.

 

the motor will be out of the shop next week. (fingers crossed) Ill let you know for sure then. Id sugges you call Lynn @ mondello. Get the # off the website mondellotwister.com

 

Delkron,

I'm running the Lunati version of the Edelbrock Performer RPM cam with A/C and power brakes. No problems. And the cam should be right in there for your 4.10.

Joe Mondello will always be "Mr. Oldsmobile", but he has stepped back and let his son-in-law run the business (into the ground). Many unsatisfied customers. I can give LOTS of references to Lynn's antics on other Olds boards. I can also recommend several great Olds builders (with good reps) who would be happy to help.

My $0.02.

C.J.

 

I don't want to bash anyone either but I second red's statement. Mondello has gotten lots of very poor comments and is regarded quite low at a couple of Olds Performance websites that I visit too. No personal experiences though. Just my two cents too.........

 

my understanding is that mondello had a good reputation, i dont know what they are doin these days. i have gotten away from car thing for a few years. i knocked the cobs off my olds the other day, and got the fever again and i am driven to get this brake thing worked out this year. i love this car, was my first nice car....and will never get rid of it. texas red, do you have part# on that lunati cam. i need some info to see if it will work with my other engine components. will try and post up a couple pics if i can figure it out.

 

http://www.holley.com/00083.asp

I'm running a 9.7:1 (best guess) motor, CompCams roller-tip rockers, ported heads with crossovers filled, Performer RPM intake, RobbMc fuel pump, LT-1 electric fans, reworked QJet, HEI with external coil, TH-350 with 2200 stall, and a 3.42 posi. It's a good street combo but I wish I had a little more gear in the rear.

C.J.

 

texas red, thanks dude. i book marked it...will deffinately check into it.

 

well, i tried to post a pic...but didnt work. i added a few pics to my gallery if any are interested. u will see it has been out of action for a while by the amount of dust covering it.

 

all i know is that ive done my home work on cams and the Mondello cam I mentioned is ground by Engle and is IMHO the best one out there for lots of power and still being able to use power brakes. Engle has been grinding olds cams for a loooooong time

 

Hope it works for you. I know how that fever can get started after a long hiatus. Keep us posted!

 

good info here, i have 2 cams to choose from now. thanks fellas.