I am converting my stock 72 350 2bbl with 7a heads to a 4bbl oem intake and Rochester carb. While taking the old intake manifold and carb off I also removed the water pump and timing cover.
I bought a new Cloyes 9-1113 timing set. I thought that while I have it all apart I would replace the old cam with a new one to add a little more low end torque. I am looking at a LUNATI 256/262 .485"/.499" VOODOO HYDRAULIC FLAT TAPPET CAMSHAFT FOR OLDSMOBILE ALL V8 LUNATI PART #10420701 or a COMP CAMS 252 HIGH ENERGY HYDRAULIC FLAT TAPPET CAMSHAFT FOR OLDSMOBILE 260-455 ENGINES. NUMBER #42-227-4. I want to keep it near stock. I will at some point change the stock rear to a 3.08 and limited slip. and change to a stock duel exhaust. just wanted to get some opinions from you guys with all the experience. Thanks Gary

 

The problem with the 72 350 is the compression ratio, it is around 8 to 1, maybe a tad more with OE gaskets. That severely limits cam choice, that one you are looking at is probably a bit much, IMO. Something in the 205/.450 range would be better.

 

The Voodoo cam one size smaller ( 207/213 duration ) works well in my 8 to 1 CR 350 Olds. With headers, true duals, RPM intake, Qjet, and stock 85 442 drivetrain, I ran a best 13.83 with it. It will launch pretty good with drag radials, but it doesn't MPH worth a darn ( a hair under 97 mph ). It idles nice and generally behaves as it were stock. I think the next step up which you are considering would probably work OK because they do appear to be designed to make good cylinder pressure, but I think the smaller one would work better for you.

 

I'd go with compcams high energy 260 better than 252.and near stock if thats what you're looking for.

 

I know guys have used them but I'm just not a fan of the VooDoo or Xtreme Energy stuff with stock rockers.

I'd do something in s single pattern, that would give you more low end torque.

 

Imo that's too much camshaft. I did a similar 350 build 20+ years ago for my son's car. I used the comps cam 262h, .456/.456 . With headers, really woke up the 350. You always want to be "under" cammed/carb than over. Ken

 

What is this single pattern you speak of and who sells one.
is there some other simple upgrades I could make (new rockers, Springs)to have one of the Cams I mentioned be more compatable?
I just figured that while I have it all apart I Might As Well upgrade the cam to somthing with a little more power and sound so my W29 is more of a W29.2
Thanks Guys

 

Why don't you just ask Mark (cutlassefi) to grind you a cam that's best for your application. I got a Lunati custom grind from him for my SBO and I couldn't be happier with it.

 

Well I figured someone would suggest that, So just sent him a PM