Hey guys, been reading the forum for awhile but this is my first post. I know you've heard it all before so I apologize if this thread seems redundant but every car is different. I've got a 72 350 in my cutlass that runs great. Edelbrock Intake. Headers. Dual exhaust. Stock 7A heads. Stock ignition. Not to sure of the gears but I know they're definitely not what I want. I'm just looking for a little more on a small budget. Im pretty green when it comes to camshafts but I was reading about this lunati cam

• Advertised Duration (Int/Exh): 256/262
• Duration @ .050 (Int/Exh): 213/219
• Gross Valve Lift (Int/Exh): .485/.499

Now would I better of swapping that cam, another cam, or gears? Would 3.42 gears be alright on the highway with a stock th350 or should I go to like a 3.08? I assume I'll be able to tell more of a difference with gears as opposed to a cam with stock heads. But will it be that much more noticeable? Thanks a lot guys I really appreciate any help

 

Welcome. And we will certainly help you with your project.

To help you, we need to know more about your car...
Is it a 1972 Cutlass? What model?
Is the engine untouched internally? And if so, do you know what carb it came with, 2- or 4-bbl? --to determine what cam is in it now.
If modified, what cam are you now using?
What is your existing rear axle ratio?
What size tires?
What transmission?

And please introduce yourself in the Newbie Forum and post some pictures of your car.

 

Yes a 72 Cutlass. The guy told me it's an s but I don't believe it is. I believe it is untouched. He didn't know much about it. It originally came with a 2 barrel. I would assume 2.73 gears? I guess I'll have to crawl underneath and look. Tires are 295/50/15. Th350 tranny. Someone wanted it to look like a fast muscle car. Big tires and ladder bars that aren't even installed the whole way

 

If that is your car in your avatar then it is an S.

 

Yes it is. How do you know?

 

Body style. The Supreme had a different roofline and rear quarters, along with different trim. Your car would have has "S" emblems on it originally, a Supreme would have "CS".

 

This is a pic of a '71 Supreme that I used to own. Note how the roof and rear fenders are squared off. This body style was used on the Supreme form 1970-1972.

 

Oh ok thanks. Learn something new everyday. I wonder what designated that body style

 

You will likely get more of a performance boost from rear gears.

Be aware that when choosing a new camshaft, knowing the actual compression ratio is critical. The 71-72 350 engines had low compression from the factory (8.0-8.5:1), and if any year 350 engine is rebuilt using the commonly available dished cast pistons, the compression ratio can end up in the very low 7:1 range. With this low compression, the camshaft has to be chosen carefully so that the engine isn't "overcammed" and ends up with no low end power. The cam you referenced is a good choice for a low compression engine.

 

I would absolutely go with the gear choice if I was making the decision I would recommend a set of 3:55

 

You will see a great improvement just from the gears. A cam is not the only part for performance, it needs to also play nice with therest of the engine.

 

Thanks guys. One thing at a time. Looks like a gear change is in the near future

 

If you want to see how well your engine combination can work, you should first perform a compression test, as that will help you determine if you are working with super low compression or decent (8-8.5:1).

The best performance difference you can make, no matter what engine combination, is to put some gears and a better torque converter in it.

Ratios in the range of 3.42-3.73 makes a great, snappy, combination that is driveable on the highway and really makes a huge difference in performance. Moving to an good quality torque converter will make just as big a difference. With a cam that size, you should look for a good brand converter that is rated to stall ~2,000rpm or so.

 

I agree with the others, a 3:42 or 3:73 rear gear will be the best place to start.
My low compression 76 350 had the 2:41 gears in which I switched to 3:42 with posi and a TH350 transgo shift kit. ( Purchased the posi and gears from Monzaz here on CO ) Made a huge difference.
Then swapped out the Torque converter to a TCI Saturday night special, didn't feel any additional improvement from the T/C at that time.
Hope this helps
Eric

 

Appreciate it guys

 

I also did the swap to 3:42 gears on 75 350 cutlass with a TH350 tranny... made a huge difference. You will also notice a difference on the highway over 60 mph in revs.