well guys, since i have the topend off of my new LT1 block (not rebuilt, 72k on the block) I am going to put in a cam since i am putting my heads on (stock 643 castings)

Obviously, I am looking at mild cams that will give decent performance
idc about idle quality, it can be the roughest idle in the world, i will put up with it

couple choices are

cam 1:
Basic Operating RPM Range: 1,800-5,800
Duration at 050 inch Lift: 219 int./227 exh.
Advertised Duration: 270 int./278 exh.
Intake Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio: 0.515 in.
Exhaust Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio: 0.530 in.
Lobe Separation (degrees): 112

cam 2:
Basic Operating RPM Range: 2,000-6,000
Duration at 050 inch Lift: 210 int./224 exh.
Advertised Duration: 272 int./286 exh.
Intake Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio: 0.479 in.
Exhaust Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio: 0.518 in.
Lobe Separation (degrees): 112

cam 3:
Basic Operating RPM Range: 1,500-5,500
Duration at 050 inch Lift: 218 int./218 exh.
Advertised Duration: 286 int./286 exh.
Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio: 0.525 int./0.525 exh. lift
Lobe Separation (degrees): 112

cam 4:
Operating range: ???
211/219 duration @ .050 .530"/.560" with 1.6 rocker

what would u guys recommend? Its a stock bottom end, i will do 1.6 roller rockers, just wondering what u guys think of those, since i am no cam expert and they all appear to be pretty mild cams

 

unless you want to change your stall (if its automatic) then you'll probably want to go with cam choice #3, but as far as mild cam's go, i'd chose between your #3 and #1 picks, just depends on the specific recommendations to accomidate either cam (exhuast work, tune, etc) and the ammount of mods you want to put in it before you finish the 383

 

well, i want to do minimum work til i get the 383 done, but i already have headers and exhaust and such

 

any other ideas?
the #1 cam is a lunati
#2 is the crane 227
#3 is an edelbrock
#4 is a lingenfelter

 

They are all good. If you don't care about the idle, go with the bigggest duration for more top end. I run the 210/224 from Crane. It idles like stock, but a real stump puller, keeping the torque down low to mid. I have an M-6 though.

 

cam 3 is a single pattern not really well suited to our head design, and considered kind of archaic.

 

i'm just not sure about spinning the bottom end that high though otherwise i would have it by now haha

 

Cam #1 . Use a thin head gasket.

 

I'm going to go with the ZZ3 cam myself. Here are the numbers on it:
Peak Power: ~5400 rpm
Dur, at .050 IN=208 EX=221
Lift with 1.5 rockers IN=0.474 EX=0.510
lift with 1.6 rockers IN=0.506 EX=0.544
I'd use the thin head gasket too, and make sure you get springs to match what ever choice you make.