RV Cams?

they have what is referred to as RV cam. I put one in my 400 cu. in engine back in 80. my truck was a 76 and I over hauled it at 90K and the new cam made a big difference pulling our old TT.

A big cam in a low compression motor with small head ports valves etc won't do too much.
The Cam Manufacturers have many different grinds, though, for particular engines and uses. Best idea is to call them, direct, with well formulated questions about what you have and want to do.
Got the money you can make about 750 hp max with the relative short rod 350 but it won't work very well for your use nor long without regular maintenance schedule.
If you can put in a crate 502 or larger and new design 5 speed auto trans. 6 speeds are better. Might have to change differential gearing to match new trans ratios and new more powerful engine. Might even have to change drive shaft and stronger universals. Engine mounts etc and air conditioner brackets and other brackets too. It will be a minor project and not cheap.
Changing and increasing size, of radiator and adding engine oil cooler and trans coolers with thermostats.

I pulled with a 350 long years ago, no matter what, it was up hill BOTH ways. I like my nearly 400 H.P. Diesel. Mileage sucks also with 350, Paul

I have an 86 454 1 ton with an RV cam and headers. Not as much improvement as I would have liked.

The best improvement for more power up hills was switching to 456 gears in the rear end. Helped out with loads up hills but played hell when empty with gas mileage and speed. Same hill same load went from 15MPH in first gear (3 speed auto) to 25 MPH. However the empty fuel mileage at 65 MPH dropped from 10 to 7 MPG. Loaded fuel mileage went up from 6 to 7 MPG.

Luckily I mostly used the truck for towing my 15000lb 5th wheel so I was happy with the improvement.

Bearsfanatic85 wrote:
I was wondering if anyone has upgraded their cam from stock and what effect it had on driveability and mileage. I have a 85 K20, 350 4b with a 4 speed manual (1st is granny gear) Im not sure what the rear end gearing is. The truck is original and stock and I have a fairly heavy camper on it (around the 2000lbs mark)and would like to have a little more get up and go when it comes to hills and mountains. I am not looking to set new land speed records but just have a better all around driver with my camper.

I don't blame you for wanting to keep the 85 with relatively low millage. I have nor changed cams for more torque but you know there are cams available for that purpose. Normally I'm looking for more HP on the top end. The 350 with a factory 4 barrel and a four speed with granny sounds like a good setup. If your RPMs can stand it a lower rear end may be cheaper then getting into the engine. Good luck.

The truck only has 80,600 miles on it, But the 350 is only rated at 165 hp

You might be better off replacing the motor with a 454 or a newer 6.0L