If you are looking for a new camshaft for your 350 Chevy, you are in the right place. The various options available in the market make it challenging to select the best. This is because there are so many brands in the market, and each claim to be the best choice.

The Best Camshafts for a Chevy 350 [Reviewed]

With the many brands and models available, you may not know who to trust. That is why it is advisable to take the utmost care while choosing from the many options.

In this review, we have provided you with various top camshaft options and detailed information about each. This will help you to narrow down your options and decide what is best for you. Take a walk with us and select the best camshaft for a Chevy 350.

Comparison chart for camshafts for Chevy 350

COMP Cams 54-453-11Edelbrock 2216Edelbrock 2219COMP Cams 54-103-11
Basic operating RPM range1,500-6,7001,500-6,5001,500-6,5001,800-6,500
Intake duration at 050 inch lift219230230210
Exhaust duration at 050 inch lift235237243218
Duration at 050 inch lift219 int. /235 exh.230 int. /237 exh.230 int./243 exh.210 int./218 exh.
Advertised intake duration269314291270
Advertised exhaust duration285322308270
Advertised duration269 int. /285 exh.314 int. /322 exh.291 int. /308 exh.270 int./270 exh.
Lobe separation degrees113110114118
Computer controlled compatibleNoYesYesYes
Intake Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio0.607 in.0.540 in.0.631 in.0.570 in.
Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio0.607 int. /0.621 exh.0.540 int./0.540 exh.0.631 int./0.631 exh.0.570 int./0.541 exh.
Exhaust Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio0.621 in.0.540 in.0.631 in.0.541 in.

Top 4 Best Camshafts for a Chevy 350

COMP Cams 54-453-11

Overview

COMP Cams 54-453-11 has many great features that will significantly increase your Chevy 350 performance. This choice is one of the best as it will offer you value for money. This camshaft has a high RPM operation, and it is characterized by high performance.

Modern lobe profiles also characterize these Comp Cams LSR series hydraulic roller camshafts. They use lifters that are equipped with roller wheels. These roller wheels track along the lobe of the camshaft. This helps in reducing friction and enabling faster lobe ramp rates. Also, the roller wheels lessen the impact of wear and tear.

COMP Cams 54-453-11 is suitable for moderate and street race engine speeds. The lifters of these camshafts are pre-loaded and do not need lash settings.

These camshafts are generally limited to 6200 RPM that can go up to 6800.

Excellent RPM operating range

COMP Cams 54-453-11 has an excellent RPM operating range. Its RPM ranges from 1500 to 6700. This offers users a broad range of power. This large range makes the camshaft to have incredible horsepower and torque that allows for a wide range of excellent performance speeds.

Main features

  • They have aggressive roller profiles.
  • They have reduced friction that helps in reducing wear and tear.
  • Low maintenance is needed.
  • They have a broad powerband with a high exhaust duration, more valve lift, and broader lobe separation.
  • They have reduced valve train noise, which makes them environment friendly.
  • Comp Cams LSR series operate at an optimum due to the high LS flow.
  • They have excellent torque that has a broad powerband. This makes them ideal for street performance.
  • Have a limited one-year warranty

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Edelbrock 2216

Overview

Edelbrock Rollin Thunder hydraulic camshafts are designed to improve horsepower as well as torque. They are more aggressive compared to flat tappet hydraulic cams and do not have excessive overlap. These camshafts are suitable for high-performance Street and strip use, and work best from 1500 to 6500 RPM.

These camshafts are used in 435 and 440 horsepower E-tech crate engines, 460 horsepower signature series, and 383 crate engines. They also work well with 650, 675, and 555 horsepower crate engines.

High RPM operating range

The Edelbrock 2216 camshaft has an operating range of 1500 to 6500. This helps the camshaft to get high horsepower for outstanding performance. With this wide RPM, this camshaft is suitable for operating within various RPM ranges.

Main features

  • They have excellent performance. The roller camshafts generate a high lift velocity and a faster valve action that increases horsepower and torque gains.
  • Their drivability is great due to their ability to produce great sounding idle. They also have an excellent vacuum at idle.
  • They have reduced friction due to the smaller contact area of the roller parts, making them durable.
  • They have a long lifespan due to their strong camshaft material made from hardened steel and iron.
  • They are environment friendly as they can use ILSAC GF-4 and do not require zinc, phosphate, or oil additives. This helps in lowering emissions.
  • They are economical because they have reduced contact friction between the lifters and camshafts, making them have better mileage.
  • They have a limited one-year warranty.

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Edelbrock 2219

Overview

If you want to find the best camshaft for your 350 Chevy, these rolling thunder Performer RPM cams have profiles that are more aggressive than conventional cams. They do not have excessive valve overlap and work best at an RPM ranging from 1500 to 6500.

These camshafts can be used in 435 and 440 horsepower E-Tech crate engines, 460 signature series, and 383 crate engines. They are also used in 650, 675, and 555 crate engines.

Edelbrock 2219 camshafts also have roller tappets that reduce friction and eliminate break-in issues. This allows for an increased valve velocity, which increases their performance. These camshafts are intended for use with Edelbrock roller tappets or OEM.

High RPM operating range

The operating range is usually the sweet spot of camshafts. That is why the Edelbrock 2219 camshaft is the ideal choice for you. It is characterized by an RPM of 1500 to 6500. This makes it suitable for working at a wide RPM range. Also, it allows the camshaft to get excellent horsepower and torque.

Main features

  • Their performance is high due to the generation of higher velocity by the roller camshafts. Their valve action is fast for increased horsepower and torque gains.
  • They produce great sounding idle and have an excellent vacuum at idle.
  • The roller tappets have a small surface contact area that reduces friction. This makes them durable.
  • Their lifespan is long because they are made using strong camshaft material.
  • They are friendly to the environment because of reduced emissions. This is because these camshafts can use ILSAC GF-4 oil and do not require any additives like zinc, phosphates, and oils.
  • They are economical because of the reduced contact friction that increases fuel economy.
  • They have a limited one-year warranty.

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COMP Cams 54-103-11

Overview

COMP Cams 54-103-11 is the ideal choice when you are looking for a camshaft for your Chevy. They are very convenient for the LS3 engine family and do not require valve spring changes or computer tuning. These camshafts come with a proven 32 rwhp and do not have non-compliance issues with emissions regulations.

The COMP Cams 54-103-11 work well with stock components and stock tunes. This increases power production, which increases peak power.

High RPM operating range

The operating range of a camshaft is one of the most important things to consider before buying one. COMP Cams 54-103-11 has a very high RPM operating range that allows it to perform excellently within a wide range of RPMs.

Main features

  • They are of high quality and are available at an affordable price.
  • They are durable because of the premium materials used to make them.
  • They are customized to match user expectations.
  • They have a limited one-year warranty.

Buy COMP Cams 54-103-11 Now!

See all discounts available.

What to Consider Before Buying a Camshaft

Now that you have a great list of options selecting the best camshaft for your 350 Chevy will not be challenging. This list is intended to help you make a great choice. However, before you buy any camshaft, you should make several considerations.

The Best Camshafts for a Chevy 350 [Reviewed]

There are several things that can influence your choice of a camshaft. These include performance, price, and compatibility, among others. It is paramount to find a good quality camshaft even if you may decide to buy a camshaft that is not listed above.

Below are several things you should consider before you make the final decision;

Performance

The level of performance of a camshaft is of utmost importance. Before you buy any camshaft, it is essential to check whether its level of performance is good.

Some camshafts offer outstanding overall performance due to the mid-range operating range. This makes them operate well, even at different RPMs. Other types of camshafts focus mainly on high performance. These camshafts usually have an incredibly high operating range that allows users to get the best performance within a wide range of speeds.

You can get a camshaft with the power and torque you are looking for by looking at the power and performance offered by each camshaft. There are various options available at affordable prices if you are looking for a camshaft with low or average performance.

On the other hand, you will have to look for a heavy-duty camshaft with a high RPM range and high torque if you want a high-performance camshaft.

The Best Camshafts for a Chevy 350 [Reviewed]

The availability of various types of camshafts means that their prices are also varied. This may make it daunting to choose a good camshaft as you may consider the cheaper ones. However, this does not mean you cannot find a good product. The trick is to know your budget and select a camshaft that offers you value for your money.

Also, to make an excellent choice, look at the options available and their price ranges. Usually, simpler options have a lower RPM operating range. However, these camshafts can still offer high-performance and come at a lower price.

When buying these camshafts, it is advisable to stick to your budget and look for options in your budget range.

Compatibility

Compatibility is another important thing you should consider before you buy a camshaft, but many people end up making small mistakes that cost them a lot. This is because compatibility may seem unimportant during camshaft shopping.

Before you select a particular camshaft, check the specifications of your Chevy. This will help you to know the type of camshaft that will be compatible with your Chevy.

What are the Common Camshaft Problems?

Camshafts are made of solid steel. This makes it durable as it is not prone to rapid wear and tear. Usually, other parts of the engine tend to wear out before the camshaft. However, this does not mean that camshafts do not have problems. Below are several issues that camshafts have.

Flogged cam lobes

This refers to camshaft lobes that have been wiped out or worn down. If cam lobes are worn down, the valves will be difficult to open. This will lead to poor engine performance. Also, the cylinder will not function at its best.

Once the HPFP is affected, there will be insufficient fuel pressure. This will, in turn, lead to high emissions and random cylinder misfiring.

Worn down lifters

Usually, camshafts may make lifters to wear down. A lifter that is worn out will not lift the valves as intended. This results in a tapping or clattering in the valve cover.

Broken camshaft

Camshafts do not break easily, but once in a while, they may fail. Usually, when a camshaft fails, there may be a manufacturing defect or seizing of the camshaft. A broken camshaft in pushrod engines leads to many significant problems like connecting rods, pistons, or cylinder blocks.

In interference engines, broken camshafts may lead to damage of valves, pistons, or cylinder heads.

Major causes of Camshaft Failure

Several problems can lead to the catastrophic failure of a Camshaft and cause the engine to break down completely. These are as follows;

The Best Camshafts for a Chevy 350 [Reviewed]
  • Lobe wear
  • Oil lifters with a new cam
  • Improper break-in
  • Broken cam
  • End play that is quite excessive
  • Incorrect pressure in the valve spring
  • Broken keys or dowel pins
  • Mechanical interference

Can a Camshaft make a Vehicle louder?

This question disturbs many people. The answer to the question is yes because engines begin to produce louder sounds due to the longer exhaust valve duration.

The Best Camshafts for a Chevy 350 [Reviewed]

The reason behind this is because the combustion chamber will be open for longer than intended. This allows for the escape of a louder sound. In return, there will be the production of loud, booming sounds.

Many drivers like the sound even if it does not add any power to engines. This is because the sound tends to intimidate other racers.

Conclusion

Finding the best camshaft for your Chevy 350 may seem complicated, but it does not need to be. With the great options listed above, your work is considerably reduced. You can save lots of time and money without going through the hassle of researching these camshafts yourself.

All the listed options provided in this article are great. You can select from the list above if you opt to go for camshafts with great features and a high RPM operating range. This article provides you with the knowledge to make an informed decision. This means that you can buy a high-quality camshaft that will be ideal and compatible with your Chevy.

We have made things easier for you as we have provided you with everything you need to buy an excellent camshaft. All you need to do is select the best option for your Chevy 350.