I bought a core engine from my nefew's dealership, story was engine had 30000 miles on it,he took it to Wal-Mart to have his oil changed and they forgot to tighten his oil filter....they replaced his engine.

I think Wal-Mart got scammed, anyway.... this is what I have 1998 vortec heads 12558062, I have put 9.1:1 Flat top pistons with the longer skirt on 5.7 connection rods, the block is 10243880 Gen 1 Crate ZZ4 roller cam.

I took it to the machine shop the cylindar walls were fine so it is still a std. 4.0 , no cracks, they put the valve springs back in and shimmed them.

Now for my problem, the camshaft. The lobes are worn, and do not mic out, I took it to the GM dealership, they did not have a clue what cam it was thought it too hot for the engine??? There is a number stamped in black ink on the end, but was told it was a meaningless number.

I need to know what cam I need, I am putting this in a 1997 C/K2500, it has the 3.73 rear axel.  I have looked at so many different cam specs I am now totally confused, they are either for carb engines, require a computer reprogram, etc....

I do not want to make any mods, this is going to be my daily driver, I will be towing a trailer with concrete statuary occasionally, I think I want just a step up from stock.  Also, since I have this engine totally apart besides changing the pushrods what else do I need to check?? This is my first experience with a roller rocker cam, fuel injected, SBC 350.  I want to stay with the configurations that are already there. I do not want to turn 12s and I do not want my P/U to be a Geo Metro. I would appreciate advise as to what cam I need. Thanx!

ok...you said that the camshaft lobes where worn out?...on a roller cam?...dang...I thought that roller cams where non wear items...but if they where worn...youll want to replace the roller lifters too which might come as an unwanted big expense as they are about 9 bucks a piece.

but as far as cam selection goes...There are far too many cams out there for me to recomend one...especially one tht has to be computer compatible...but

Cam manufacturers are pretty good about having the correct information to go with their cams...and most have very good customer service...so youmight want to give them a call.

But from a basic standpoint here.

To be computer compatible youll want to keep durations below 218 @ .50....lift is pretty much not limited to anything within reason but roller cams have alot of lift anyway.
.460 or .470 would be a great place to start as it wont bind your coil springs and will make for better throttle response and torque in your heavy truck.

Id say give comp cams or lunati a call...lunati's new voodoo cams look especially tempting and all seem fairly streetable/tame but make big power. I thnk they offer rollers cams too.

Good luck
God bless
-Shred