If you are in the market for a new camshaft for your 350 Chevy, then you know how frustrating it can be to have to search through all the various options available on the market today.
With every different brand and model claiming to be the best choice for your engine, it can feel like you don’t know who to trust.
This could cause option overload and make it very difficult to make a final decision about which one to purchase. Well, we are here to help.
We have aimed to make things much easier for you by providing you with all the information you need to make your decision.
In this article, we have made a concise list of the top choices on the market today so that you can narrow down your options and make a final decision about which camshaft is the best for your 350 Chevy.
Top pick
COMP Cams CL12-600-4 Although all of the choices on this list make great options for you, there is one camshaft that seems to stand out from all the rest. That is why our top pick is the COMP Cams CL12-600-4. This model comes with a high RPM operating range and early intake valve opening that make your Chevy sound, and drive more powerfully on any type of road.
- High-performance stock converter
- 2,000 – 5,800 RPM operating range
- Comes with the camshaft, set of lifters, and assembly lubricant
- Early intake valve opening
- Long exhaust duration
With all the great features that this camshaft option has, it is clear to see why we chose this model as our top pick. With all the things that this model can do, pretty much the only thing that it can’t do is purchase and install itself for you.
Camshafts For 350 ChevyComparison Chart
| Char | |||
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| RPM Operating Range | 2,000 - 5,800 RPM | 2,200 - 6,100 RPM | 2,000 - 6,500 RPM |
| Lobe Separation Angle | 107° | 107° | 108° |
| Advertised Duration (INT/EXH) | 279°/297° | 295°/313° | 282°/282° |
| Duration at .050" | 227°/241° | 243°/257° | 227°/241° |
| Valve Lift | 0.479"/0.465" | 0.500"/0.486" | 0.480"/0.480" |
| Camshaft Material | Cast Iron | Cast Iron | n/a |
| Assembly Lubricant Included | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 12.21 pounds | 8.88 pounds | n/a |
3 Best Camshafts For 350 Chevy (as of July, 2024):
1. COMP Cams CL12-600-4 Camshaft For 350 Chevy – Best Top Pick Review
COMP Cams CL12-600-4 camshaft option is our top pick, and for good cause.
With its many great features that will increase the performance of your 350 Chevy significantly, this choice will give you the most horsepower for the most cost-effective price.
From the high RPM operation range to the optimum overlap, you will be getting the best of the best.
High Performance
This camshaft kit works with high-performance street stock converters but works best with 2,000+ converter and gears to provide you with the best engine performance possible.
This also allows your car to have the high performance that you want without having to be picky about buying premium parts.
High RPM Operating Range
A camshaft’s operating range it essentially its sweet spot, where it gets the most horsepower possible. Luckily, this model comes with a very high RPM operating range that allows it to work its best within a large range of RPMs.
This ranges from 2,000, all the way to 5,800 RPMs to give you the largest range of top-notch performance.
Comes With a Full Kit
This camshaft doesn’t just come by itself, it also comes with a set of lifters, written instructions for easy installation, and an assembly lubricant.
This camshaft kit comes with everything that you need in one purchase so you don’t have to buy anything else with it, even for installation.
Optimum Overlap
This overlap is created by the early intake valve opening and long exhaust duration which gives you more power and hard-hitting exhaust note.
Three Design Choices
This camshaft kit option has three different camshaft options to choose from that include the Thumpr, the Mutha’ Thumpr, and the Big Mutha’ Thumpr. Each of these offers its user more horsepower and a broad torque curve for the size that they are looking for.
Large Compatibility
This camshaft kit has wide compatibility that allows for many different fit options. This camshaft fits with 1st generation Chevy’s that include the 262, 265, 267, 283, 302, 305, 307, 350, and the 400.
The only models it doesn’t fit is the LT1 and the LT4, or the small blocks models made from 1985 and beyond.
Made In The USA
Buying this model guarantees that you are supporting workers in the USA with this option being made in the USA. This also guarantees that you are getting the most well-built, reliable model on the market with American-made quality.
Main Features
- High performance street, stock converter ok, best with 2000+ converter and gears. Choppy/thumping idle.
- 2,000-5,800 RPM Operating Range
- 227/241 Duration at .050″.
- 107 Degree Lobe Separation Angle
- 0.479″/0.465″ Valve Lift
- Street/Performance
- CL Kits include a camshaft, a set of lifters, instructions and assembly lubricant
- Early intake valve opening and long exhaust duration create optimum overlap for powerful, hard-hitting exhaust note
- Three unique cam designs: Thumpr, Mutha’ Thumpr and Big Mutha’ Thumpr deliver excellent horsepower gains and broad torque curve
- Fits Chevrolet GEN 1 Small Blocks including the 262, 265, 267, 283, 302, 305, 307, 327, 350 and 400
- Does not fit LT1/LT4, or factory roller Small Blocks built from 1985 and newer
PROS:
- Works with high-performance stock and 2,000+ converters
- High RPM operating range between 2,000 and 5,800
- Comes with all you will need in one kit
- Has early intake valve opening and long exhaust duration
- Three different design options to choose from
- Compatible with many different Chevy models
- Made in the USA, supports US workers and is great quality
CONS:
- It requires a very high idle
- May require a lot of vacuum pressure
- Lifters may not be as durable as the camshafts themselves
2. COMP Cams 12-602-4 Camshaft For 350 Chevy – Best Hydraulic Camshaft Review
This heavy-duty COMP’soption will give your engine all the horsepower and torque that you are looking for in one affordable package.
With its ability to offer great power, this option even works for street rods and muscle cars because of its high-performance and power.
Whether you are using this for racing capabilities, or just for better performance and speed on the highway, you will get the best of the best.
Optimum Overlap
This overlap is created by the early intake valve opening and long exhaust duration which gives you more power and hard-hitting exhaust note.
High Performance
This camshaft kit works with high-performance street stock converters but works best with 2,000+ converter and gears to provide you with the best engine performance possible.
This allows your car to have the high performance that you want without having to be picky about buying parts.
Three Different Grinds
TheCOMP Cams 12-602-4 camshaft has three different grinds for different performance applications that range from lower compression builds to higher compression engines in cars with looser torque converters and lower gear ratios.
High RPM Operating Range
This camshaft model has a high RPM operating range that is between 2,200 to 6,100 RPMs.
This sweet spot offers the user a large range of power where the camshaft will get the best horsepower and torque, allowing for a large range of great performance speeds.
Made In The USA
Buying this model guarantees that you are supporting workers in the USA with this option being made in the USA. This also guarantees that you are getting the most well-built, reliable model on the market.
Main Features
- Hydraulic Flat Tappet- Big Mutha’ Thumpr
- For ’58-’98 262-400 cid Small Block Engines w/ Flat Tappet Cam
- Street/Strip
- Needs 9.5:1 Compression, 2800+ Stall, Intake, Gears & Headers
- Very Rough Idle
- 295/313 Advertised Duration
- 243/257 Duration @ .050 inch
- .500 inch/.486 inch Lift
- 107 Lobe Separation
- Valve spring upgrade required
PROS:
- Early intake valve opening and long exhaust duration
- Works with high-performance stock and 2,000+ converters
- Three different grinds for low to high compression builds
- High RPM operating range between 2,200 and 6,100 RPMs
- Made in the USA, supports US workers and gives you the highest quality
CONS:
- Requires a very high idle
- May require a lot of vacuum pressure
- Long-term durability is in question due to customer reviews
3. Guardian Engine Kits E920P Camshaft For 350 Chevy – Best Cam and Lifter Kit Review
Guardian Engine Kits E920P is made for high performance and comes with everything that you need to install.
With its high RPM operating range and its good mid-range power, this powerful camshaft option is a great choice for those with small block Chevrolets with V8 engines.
High RPM Operating Range
A camshaft’s operating range it essentially its sweet spot, where it gets the most horsepower possible. Luckily, this model comes with a very high RPM operating range that allows it to work its best within a large range of RPMs.
This ranges from 2,000, all the way to 6,500 RPMs to give you the largest range of top-notch performance.
Made In The USA
Buying this model guarantees that you are supporting workers in the USA with this option being made in the USA. This also guarantees that you are getting the most well-built, reliable model on the market with American-made quality.
High Performance
This camshaft kit works with high-performance street stock converters but works best with 2,000+ converter and gears to provide you with the best engine performance possible.
This allows your car to have the high performance that you want without having to be picky about buying parts.
Comes With Full Kit
This camshaft option comes as a kit that contains everything that you need for installation and use. This kit contains the camshaft, lifters, and cam Zinc additive lubricant. It also comes with written instructions to make for easy installation.
Compatible With Multiple Transmissions
This camshaft kit is able to work with different transmission model options. This model is compatible with an automatic and manual transmission with high stall converters to boost the performance of even the best transmission systems.
Main Features
- For Generation I small block Chevrolet V-8 engines (non-computer controlled)
- Cam kit contains camshaft, lifters, and cam ZINC Additive lube
- Duration (INT/EXH): 282°/282°
- Duration at .050″ (INT/EXH): 232°/232°
- Valve Lift (w/1.5 rockers): .480″/.480″
- Center Line: 108
- RPM Range: 2000-6500
- Notes: Strong torque and good mid range power, rough lope idle. Needs 2500+ stall
- Mild Bracket Drag Racing, Limited Oval Track
- Automatic or Manual Transmissions With High Stall Converter
PROS:
- Works with Chevrolets with V8 engines
- High RPM operating range between 2,000 and 6,500
- Comes with full kit with camshaft and installation equipment
- Compatible with multiple transmission types with high stall converters
- Good mid-range power for engine performance
- Made in the USA
CONS:
- Manifold vacuum will not operate power brakes
- Reliability in question due to low customer reviews
- Long-term durability in question due to low customer reviews
Buyer’s Guide
With this list of great options for camshafts for your Chevy, you now have a lot of information about what makes these choices right for you.
However, there is some information that you should know, before making your purchase, when thinking about buying a camshaft.
Things like compatibility, price, and performance should all be things that you are looking at when deciding on a camshaft model.
If you decide to purchase an option that is not mentioned on this list, then you should know what to look for in a good quality camshaft.
So, here are some things that you should think about when making a decision about whether or not to purchase an option that you find.
Compatibility
This may seem like a no-brainer, but this is something that is easy to miss when shopping for a camshaft.
First, you should know the exact specifications of the Chevy that you own so that you know what camshafts will work for the engine and transmission that you have.
Then, you can check the compatibility – which is usually written on the product’s box – to ensure that it will work for the vehicle you have.
Knowing the exact measurements is a good idea as well, just in case, so that you can make an informed decision about which camshaft you think will fit the best for your 350 Chevy model.
Price
The large range of products on the market means that there is a large range of prices as well. This could make things more difficult to choose because you may be limited to a low-end budget.
However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t find a good quality option for your price point. You just need to look at options that offer you the basics.
Simpler options may have slightly lower RPM operating ranges but can still offer you high-performance and torque. So, staying within your budget and getting something that works for you is possible.
A smaller operating range still gives you better performance, it just won’t offer that performance at higher speeds like more expensive models will. So, if you have a budget to stick to, look at all your options without that range and you will find what you’re looking for.
Performance
Like all of the options on this list, the level of performance that is offered by the camshaft that you purchase is a major factor to look at.
Some camshafts offer a good boost of performance and a mid-range operating range that will give you good overall performance at different RPMs, but others will focus solely on high-performance and give you a very high operating range that allows you to get the best performance within a large range of speeds.
Depending on how much power and torque you are looking for, you can get what you want by looking at the performance and power that each camshaft has to offer.
If you are looking for a small boost of performance, then a lower range option that is cheaper will give you what you need without having to opt for a premium product with a much higher price tag.
But, if you are wanting to boost your torque and performance by a lot, then you will likely want to go with a heavy-duty option that will give you a high RPM operating range and lots of torque.
Those who want racing capabilities will likely be in the higher range, but you will be happy with the performance that you get, and be willing to pay a premium price to get it.
Lobe Separation
Cam lobe separation is the degree of the angle between the maximum lift of a pair of cam lobes. Cam lobe separation is an important performance characteristic because it times the intake and exhaust valves.
If the lobe separation angle was at 0 degrees, both the intake and exhaust valves would be opened and closed at the same time. So, the lobe separation controls the time that both the intake and exhaust valves are open, which allows the engine to work.
If this lobe separation is not right, then the valve’s timing will be off, and the engine’s performance will suffer, or stop working altogether.
So, this is something that you should look into when deciding what type of camshafts you want for you 350 Chevy model. With all this new information about camshafts, you have a lot to take with you.
However, you may still have some questions about camshafts that you want to be answered before you lay down some cash for the best option. Well, you are not alone. Many customers often look up more information online before wanting to make a final purchase.
So, we have compiled a list of some of the most commonly asked questions and found answers so that you can get all the information you need in one place.
FAQ
Here are the most frequently asked questions that others had about camshafts.
What are camshafts used for?
In internal combustion engines that contain pistons, the camshaft is used to operate the poppet valves. It consists of a cylindrical rod running the full length of the cylinder bank with several oblong lobes protruding from it, one for each valve.
This helps to increase performance and power for the vehicle and why camshafts are so popular.
How does a camshaft work?
The camshaft is critical to the basic function of an engine and it works to boost the engine’s performance. A camshaft is comprised of two distinct parts, the cams, and the shaft.
The camshaft is the part that enables the intake and exhaust valves to open. As the shaft rotates, the egg-shaped cams – also known as lobes – push the valves open in time with the crankshaft gear.
As the camshaft rotates, the cams or lobes move up and down. As it continues, the valve spring pushes the valve back up to close it. This creates energy that is used to produce more power in the engine that allows it to have a higher performance level.
It can also allow for better acceleration timing and faster speeds. In racing vehicles, this is especially important because of the leg-up that it gives its drivers in a race that could end with a split-second win.
Does a camshaft make a car louder?
Essentially, the answer is yes. The vehicle’s engine will begin to make a louder noise due to the longer exhaust valve duration.
This is because the combustion chamber is open for a longer time per cycle which allows more sound to escape and makes a more booming sound.
Many drivers like the soundthat this causes, although the noise itself doesn’t add power to the engine, because it makes the engine sound more powerful and intimidating in a racing setting.
How does increasing or decreasing duration affect my engine performance?
Increasing duration has a great amount of effect on an engine’s performance.
Lower duration camshafts will produce more torque in the lower rpm range that allows for better handling, while camshafts with larger duration specifications will sacrifice some low RPM torque for upper RPM power that allows for high speeds and acceleration times.
It is commonly said that, for each 10-degree change in duration, the powerband of the engine moves up or down in the rpm range by 500 rpm. This is true whether you are increasing or decreasing the duration.
Conclusion
Finding the best camshaft option for your 350 Chevy doesn’t have to be a difficult task, and with our list of great options that are available on the market today, you can save yourself time and money without having to research these items yourself.
Whether you go with our top pick for its great features and high-performance, or you opt for going online and finding a different model to fit your needs, you now have the knowledge to make an informed decision about which product to choose.
With all the information given in this article, you can now be able to find and purchase the camshaft that fits your needs and works great with your 350 Chevy, without having to spend time online checking reviews and specifications.
So, save yourself time and money and pick one the great options on this list for your 350 Chevy today.
Contents
- Camshafts For 350 ChevyComparison Chart
- 3 Best Camshafts For 350 Chevy (as of July, 2024):
- 1. COMP Cams CL12-600-4 Camshaft For 350 Chevy – Best Top Pick Review
- 2. COMP Cams 12-602-4 Camshaft For 350 Chevy – Best Hydraulic Camshaft Review
- 3. Guardian Engine Kits E920P Camshaft For 350 Chevy – Best Cam and Lifter Kit Review
- Buyer’s Guide
- Compatibility
- Price
- Performance
- Lobe Separation
- FAQ
- What are camshafts used for?
- How does a camshaft work?
- Does a camshaft make a car louder?
- How does increasing or decreasing duration affect my engine performance?
- Conclusion
