Building a 500+ Hp Camaro 350 Small Block: Best Camshaft, Heads, and Forced Induction Packages

by

Building a high-performance 500+ horsepower Camaro with a 350 small block engine is an exciting venture for any automotive enthusiast. This guide will walk you through the essential components, including the best camshaft, cylinder heads, and forced induction packages to achieve your horsepower goals.

Understanding the 350 Small Block Engine

The Chevrolet 350 small block engine has been a favorite among car enthusiasts for decades. Known for its versatility and performance potential, it serves as a solid foundation for building a powerful engine. To achieve over 500 horsepower, specific modifications and upgrades are necessary.

Choosing the Right Camshaft

The camshaft is a critical component in determining the performance of your engine. It controls the timing and duration of the valve openings, which directly affects the engine’s power output.

Factors to Consider

  • Lift: Higher lift allows for more air and fuel to enter the combustion chamber.
  • Duration: Longer duration increases power at higher RPMs but may sacrifice low-end torque.
  • Overlap: The amount of time both intake and exhaust valves are open can influence engine efficiency.
  • Comp Cams Xtreme Energy: Known for its aggressive profile and excellent mid-range torque.
  • Howards Cams Retro-Fit: Offers a good balance of power and drivability.
  • Texas Speed Stage 2: Ideal for high RPM performance with impressive horsepower gains.

Selecting Cylinder Heads

Cylinder heads play a significant role in the performance of your small block engine. They affect airflow, combustion efficiency, and overall power output.

Key Features to Look For

  • Port Size: Larger ports allow for increased airflow, essential for high horsepower builds.
  • Combustion Chamber Volume: Smaller chambers can increase compression, leading to more power.
  • Material: Aluminum heads are lighter and dissipate heat better than cast iron.

Top Cylinder Head Options

  • Edelbrock Performer RPM: Excellent for street performance with good airflow characteristics.
  • AFR 195cc: High-performance heads that provide significant horsepower gains.
  • Trick Flow GenX 220: Designed for maximum airflow and power potential.

Forced Induction Packages

To reach the 500+ horsepower mark, adding forced induction is often necessary. Superchargers and turbochargers can significantly boost the engine’s power output.

Supercharger vs. Turbocharger

  • Supercharger: Provides instant power and better throttle response but can be less efficient.
  • Turbocharger: Offers more power at higher RPMs and is generally more efficient but may have a lag.
  • Procharger P-1SC: Known for its reliability and ability to produce significant horsepower.
  • Vortech V-3: A popular choice for street applications with excellent boost capabilities.
  • Turbonetics Turbo Kit: Ideal for those looking to maximize power with a turbo setup.

Supporting Modifications

In addition to the camshaft, heads, and forced induction, several supporting modifications will help ensure your engine performs optimally.

Essential Upgrades

  • Fuel System: Upgrading to a high-flow fuel pump and injectors is crucial for meeting increased fuel demands.
  • Exhaust System: A high-performance exhaust system will help improve airflow and reduce back pressure.
  • Cooling System: An upgraded radiator and oil cooler are essential to manage increased heat from higher power levels.

Tuning and Final Adjustments

Once all components are installed, proper tuning is essential to maximize performance and reliability. A professional engine tuner can help achieve the best results.

Tuning Options

  • ECU Reflash: Updating the engine control unit to optimize fuel maps and ignition timing.
  • Dyno Tuning: Using a dynamometer to fine-tune the engine for peak performance.
  • Custom Chip: Creating a custom chip can provide tailored performance enhancements.

Building a 500+ horsepower Camaro 350 small block requires careful selection of components and proper tuning. By following this guide, you can create a powerful engine that delivers thrilling performance on the road or track.