If you want to stay on a budget have the heads done and shave some off the bottom that will bump up the comp some but at that point you cannot go any bigger than the 212 cam unless you up the compression and better pistons. I ran a 268 Comp cam on a stock engine with headers only and it was not no slouch, stock stall convertor and the engine just the cam change and headers. Ran 14.80 all day and smacked a few around back in the day. That cam could have been advanced a little and I could have used a 2000 convertor. so keep this in mind when thinking how far you want to go with engine, The oil mods are the most important than anything else.
I used to have 5 lbs. at idle and was that way ever since I put a gauge on. was really reading '0" until I started using 20-50w Valvoline oil then I got 5 at idle in gear I don't think it ever got above 35 lbs driving at any rpm. this was before motor rebuild. So yeah you can have 5 lbs at idle in gear and be ok. If you are getting more than that then don't worry about it. At this point just use the upgrade on the oil pump with the right gasket and be done with it. If you want to go farther then have oil routs opened up and you will get a lot more volume of oil to engine. This will require the machine shop for that.
FYI it is possible to do the cam bearings on a 350 without touching the bottom end, provided you have the correct tool. I did so on my motor and made a little video to help those in similar situations: That's not to say that doing a budget rebuild isn't a good idea!
Well, that's getting it done. Now, I want to see a cam bearing change without removing the cam! LOL That I'd pay good money to watch!
I’ve done them “in car” (350 Buick) EXCEPT the rear one, it’s tricky, PLUS if you still have casting flash around the openings in the valley, you MAY NOT even be able to weasel the new cam bearing inside and onto the tool. Buick V6 86/87 model and Chevy V8 forget it.
Great vid, I believe I saw your vid when I was looking, but I figured if I went this far might as well go all the way.
Thanks for all the info. Right now I looking at doing the following following. Block machining Larger oil passage Larger oil pump Torque converter Pistons Cam Distributor Timing chain Rockers (maybe) Polish crank Haven't checked out the valves yet.
You don't really need a larger oil pump. The current one can produce enough volume and pressure if properly setup. Enlarging the pan pickup, feed line and using double-grooved cam bearings will go a long way. As you check things over, it will be apparent what needs to be done and what can be reused. Build for your expected use.
I used the pre assembled timing cover from TA on my build. Plenty of oil pressure at idle when warm. I wasn’t risking a 50+ year worn out cover. Was worth the cost in my case.
