Best Cam For 350 Small Block: 10 Flat-Tappet and Roller Options

#1 · Best Overall

1. COMP Cams Xtreme Energy 224/230

• Dimensions: 24.2"L x 2.9"W x 2.6"H
• Weight: 8.6 lb

Best for: Street builds retaining stock converter.

Why it ranks #1: Its 224/230 duration and 1,600–5,800 RPM range suit street use, and the listing calls it the largest cam for a stock converter.

COMP Cams identifies this Xtreme Energy profile as its largest cam for a stock converter, giving street-machine owners a way to pursue stronger response without making a higher-stall converter the baseline requirement. Its 224/230 duration at .050 pairs with a 1,600–5,800 RPM operating range.

Quicker-opening lobe profiles are specified to increase responsiveness and provide more area under the lift curve, helping the cam deliver a sharper response in street carbureted applications. COMP also notes that the added vacuum can assist power brakes, a practical consideration for a street-driven 350. A 2000-plus stall is described as beneficial, not mandatory, so buyers can weigh that upgrade against retaining a stock converter. The profile is listed for Chevrolet GEN 1 small blocks.

Skip it if you need towing and factory-exhaust emphasis; COMP Cams 12-239-3 Xtreme 4×4 is specified for restrictive OEM exhaust systems.

This Xtreme Energy cam suits a street-driven 350 owner who wants stronger response while retaining a stock converter. Consider the optional 2000-plus stall for better performance, and account for the profile’s 1,600–5,800 RPM range.

Listed on Amazon as: COMP Cams 12-242-2 Xtreme Energy 224/230 Hydraulic Flat Cam for Chevrolet Small Block

#2 · Best for Towing

2. Engine Pro MC1730 RV Cam

• Dimensions: 26"L x 3"W x 3"H
• Weight: 10 lb

Best for: Torque-focused towing and highway builds.

Why it ranks #2: The RV profile is specifically described for lower-end power, smooth idle, highway driving, off-road use, and towing across compatible SBC applications.

A smooth idle paired with stronger low-end power is the Engine Pro MC1730’s defining combination, helping a 350 deliver useful pull for towing, off-road use, and highway driving. Its hydraulic flat-tappet profile targets torque-oriented street use rather than a rough, high-revving character.

The listed 204/214 duration and 270/280 duration at .050 provide specific profile figures for comparing this cam with an existing setup. Engine Pro lists compatibility with Chevy small-block engines from 1957 to 1995, including the 350, and describes it as suitable for stock applications. Its hydraulic flat-tappet design makes the key boundary clear: this is not a roller-cam option. The smooth idle and lower-end emphasis suit buyers prioritizing usable driving and towing behavior.

Skip it if you need a roller profile; Speedmaster PCE249.1011 is a hydraulic roller cam, but requires a roller-cam-compatible block.

Choose the Engine Pro MC1730 for a compatible flat-tappet 350 used in highway driving, towing, or off-road settings. Its smooth-idle, lower-end emphasis is a better match than a build seeking a roller cam or an aggressive idle.

Listed on Amazon as: Chevy SBC 350 5.7L HP RV 420/433 Lift Cam Camshaft Torque MC1730

#3 · Best for Factory Exhaust

3. COMP Cams Xtreme 4×4 218/226

• Dimensions: 24.01 x 2.91 x 2.59 in
• Weight: 8.95 lb

Best for: Towing with restrictive factory exhaust.

Why it ranks #3: Its 218/226 duration, 1,300–5,600 RPM range, and stated compatibility with restrictive factory exhausts suit towing and off-road use.

Compatibility with restrictive factory exhaust systems, including OEM manifolds, distinguishes COMP Cams’ Xtreme 4×4 profile for small-block owners who want towing and off-road response without specifying aftermarket exhaust. Its 218/226 duration at .050 and 1,300–5,600 RPM range frame that use.

COMP lists improved throttle response and increased low- and midrange horsepower for towing and off-road driving, connecting the profile to practical pulling use. The .462/.480-inch valve lift and 111-degree lobe separation provide further figures for comparing it with other hydraulic flat cams. Fitment includes Chevrolet GEN 1 small blocks from 262 through 400 cubic inches, including the 350. The stated factory-exhaust compatibility is useful for builds retaining common restrictive systems.

Skip it if you need a roller cam for an OE roller engine; COMP Cams 08-502-8 is specified for roller-equipped 305 and 350 blocks.

Choose this Xtreme 4×4 cam for a compatible flat-tappet 350 used for towing or off-road driving, especially with OEM exhaust manifolds. Its flat-cam format is the key boundary for roller-equipped engines.

Listed on Amazon as: COMP Cams 12-239-3 Xtreme 4×4 218/226 Hydraulic Flat Cam for Chevrolet Small Block

#4 · Best for OE Roller 350s

4. COMP Cams Xtreme Energy Roller

• Dimensions: 23.3 x 2.9 x 2.7 in
• Weight: 8.51 lb

Best for: Computer-controlled OE roller 350 builds.

Why it ranks #4: This 218/224 hydraulic roller is designed for computer-controlled 305/350 engines originally equipped with roller cams and requires custom tuning.

Designed for computer-controlled vehicles originally equipped with roller camshafts, COMP Cams’ Xtreme Energy profile targets OE roller 305 and 350 engines. Its 218/224 duration at .050 and 0.495/0.503-inch valve lift pair with a 1,500–5,500 RPM operating range.

Quicker-opening lobes are specified to increase responsiveness and add area under the lift curve, while the 112-degree lobe separation and listed lift figures give buyers useful profile details. COMP identifies the cam for TPI 305 or 350 engines with upgraded exhaust and requires custom tuning, making the electronics and exhaust part of the build plan. Fitment is limited to Chevrolet GEN 1 305/350 small blocks originally equipped with roller camshafts.

Skip it if you need a flat-tappet cam; COMP Cams 12-242-2 is listed as a hydraulic flat cam for Chevrolet small blocks.

Choose this cam for an originally roller-equipped, computer-controlled 350 with upgraded exhaust and access to custom tuning. Its OE roller fitment is a firm boundary, so it is not the choice for a flat-tappet engine.

Listed on Amazon as: COMP Cams 08-502-8 Xtreme Energy Computer Controlled 218/224 Hydraulic Roller Cam for OE Roller SBC

#5

5. Speedmaster Hydraulic Roller

• Dimensions: 22 x 2.8 x 2.8 in
• Weight: 9.04 lb

Best for: Hydraulic roller midrange street builds.

Why it ranks #5: The 218/224 hydraulic roller offers a 1,600–5,400 RPM range for street/strip use, but requires a roller-compatible block and separate lifters.

A hydraulic roller design combines the Speedmaster cam’s listed midrange torque and top-end pull with a 218/224 duration profile, targeting street/strip power delivery. It covers several small-block Chevy displacements, including the 350, but only where the engine block is roller-cam compatible.

The stated 1,600–5,400 RPM operating range gives buyers a practical reference for matching the cam to their intended use, while 218/224 duration at .050 describes the profile. Speedmaster identifies reduced friction and longer life as benefits of its hydraulic roller design. The listing calls it a direct drop-in for OEM and aftermarket blocks, but also makes roller-cam compatibility a requirement; lifters are sold separately, so they must be sourced for installation.

Skip it if you have a flat-tappet setup; Engine Pro MC1730 is listed for hydraulic flat tappets, not roller-cam applications.

Choose this Speedmaster cam for a roller-compatible 350 street/strip build seeking midrange torque and top-end pull. Factor in the separate lifter purchase and confirm that the block supports a roller cam before planning installation.

Listed on Amazon as: Hydraulic Roller Performance Camshaft Compatible with Small Block Chevy 265/283/305/307/327/350/383/400-218/224 Duration, Street/Strip Powerband

#6

6. ENGINETECH Stage 3 HP Kit

Best for: Complete Stage 3 valvetrain kit.

Why it ranks #6: The kit fits SBC 350 applications and includes lifters, a double-roller timing set, and push rods, with .480-inch valve lift and 232/232 duration.

A package combining the Stage 3 camshaft with 16 hydraulic lifters, a true double-roller timing set, and 16 push rods makes this ENGINETECH listing a coordinated parts choice for a small-block build. Its .480/.480-inch valve lift and 232/232 duration define the profile.

The matched parts reduce the need to source these listed components separately: the kit includes the camshaft, lifters, three-piece true double-roller timing set, and 7.794-inch push rods. A three-keyway crank sprocket and four-degree crank offset provide timing-set configuration details for the installation workflow. The .480-inch lift on both intake and exhaust is paired with 232/232 duration at .050, so buyers can assess the Stage 3 profile against their intended engine combination.

Skip it if you want a lower-duration street profile; Speedmaster PCE249.1011 lists 218/224 duration at .050 and a 1,600–5,400 RPM range.

Choose this kit if you want the cam, lifters, timing set, and push rods together for a compatible Chevrolet SBC build. Its Stage 3 specifications are a boundary to weigh against a milder street-focused profile.

Listed on Amazon as: STAGE 3 HP TORQUE CAMSHAFT KIT w/HIGH PERFORMANCE LIFTERS | TRUE DOUBLE ROLLER TIMING | PUSH RODS | LIFT: .480/.480" | .050" DURATION: 232/232 | fits CHEVROLET SBC 283 327 350 400 5.7 5.7L

#7

7. COMP Cams Magnum 224/224 Kit

• Dimensions: 26 x 5.5 x 3 in
• Weight: 13.4 oz

Best for: High-RPM street kit with lifters.

Why it ranks #7: This flat-tappet cam and lifter kit lists .480/.480-inch lift, but its 2,500-plus stall, headers, gears, and 9.5:1 compression guidance narrow its fit.

COMP Cams bundles its Magnum hydraulic flat camshaft with lifters, instructions, and assembly lubricant, providing key installation components alongside a profile aimed at street machines and high-RPM power. The listing specifies .480/.480-inch valve lift and a 110-degree lobe separation angle.

The listed operating range is 2,000–6,000 RPM, while the product description calls for a 2500-plus stall, headers, gears, and at least 9.5:1 compression for its intended performance combination. Those requirements help buyers judge supporting parts before choosing the kit. COMP notes that the cam can be used with mild-ratio rocker arms and traditional performance valve springs, offering some valvetrain flexibility. The included lifters and assembly lubricant support the installation workflow.

Skip it if you want a smooth-idle, lower-end torque profile; Engine Pro MC1730 is described as smooth-idling with better lower-end power.

This Magnum kit suits a street-machine owner with the stall, compression, headers, and gears to support its high-RPM focus. The included lifters and lubricant help with installation, but the supporting combination is essential.

Listed on Amazon as: COMP Cams CL12-212-2 Magnum 224/224 Hydraulic Flat Cam and Lifter Kit for Chevrolet Small Block

#8

8. COMP Cams Thumpr 227/241 Kit

Best for: Choppy-idle sound with included lifters.

Why it ranks #8: The 227/241 Thumpr fits 350 applications and includes high-performance lifters, but its 107-degree lobe separation targets an intentionally rough idle.

The COMP Cams Thumpr’s 107-degree lobe separation angle is the key to its deliberately rough, choppy idle character, giving a small-block owner a pronounced race-inspired sound. This listing pairs the 227/241 hydraulic flat camshaft with Enginetech high-performance lifters for a bundled cam-and-lifter purchase.

Early intake opening and extended exhaust overlap are described as the geometry behind the Thumpr’s aggressive idle, so the sound is tied to a stated cam feature rather than an assumed performance result. The listed .479/.465-inch lift and 227/241 profile figures help buyers compare it with other hydraulic flat-tappet choices. The included Enginetech lifters simplify sourcing that component alongside the genuine COMP camshaft; the listing does not provide a specific operating RPM range.

Skip it if you need a stated operating range for planning; COMP Cams 12-242-2 lists a 1,600–5,800 RPM range.

This bundle suits a small-block owner who values the Thumpr’s audible idle character and wants lifters included with the camshaft. Compare its listed profile figures with your intended setup, since no operating RPM range is supplied.

Listed on Amazon as: Genuine COMP CAM 12-600-4 Thumpr 227/241 Camshaft & Enginetech High-Performance Lifters | LIFT: .479/.465" | Kit FITS Chevrolet SBC 283 327 350 400 5.7 5.7L

#9

9. COMP Cams Big Mutha' Thumpr Kit

• Dimensions: 25.3 x 5.4 x 3 in
• Weight: 13.23 lb

Best for: Aggressive street-strip idle character.

Why it ranks #9: Its 243/257 duration and 2,500–6,400 RPM range favor a demanding street/strip setup needing 9.5:1 compression, a 2,800-plus stall, and supporting parts.

A 107-degree lobe separation angle gives the COMP Cams Big Mutha’ Thumpr its early intake opening and long exhaust overlap, producing the rough, hard-hitting idle sound this profile is known for. It targets street-strip builds that can support its substantial converter, compression, intake, gear, and header requirements.

The 243/257 duration at .050 and .500/.486-inch valve lift accompany a listed 2,500–6,400 RPM operating range, making this a high-revving choice rather than a mild street profile. COMP specifies at least 9.5:1 compression and a 2,800-plus stall, along with intake, gears, and headers. The kit includes the camshaft, lifters, instructions, and assembly lubricant, giving the installer core setup materials while the supporting combination remains the buyer’s responsibility.

Skip it if you want a milder street profile with a 1,600 RPM lower operating range; COMP Cams 12-242-2 Xtreme Energy starts there.

Pick this kit for a street-strip small-block owner seeking a pronounced idle and able to meet the compression, stall, intake, gear, and header requirements. It is not the fit for a mild, low-RPM street combination.

Listed on Amazon as: COMP Cams CL12-602-4 Big Mutha' Thumpr 243/257 Hydraulic Flat Cam/Lifter Kit Chevrolet Small Block

#10

10. JEGS Hydraulic Flat Tappet Cam

• Dimensions: 31.4 x 5.3 x 3.1 in
• Weight: 12.9 lb

Best for: Higher-RPM flat-tappet street builds.

Why it ranks #10: It fits 350 small blocks and includes lifters, but the listed 3,000–6,200 RPM range and 234/234 duration make it a narrower high-rpm choice.

The JEGS cam’s .488/.488-inch lift and 234/234 duration at .050 identify a substantial flat-tappet profile for a small-block Chevy, with a listed 3,000–6,200 RPM power band. Its package includes lifters, making it a combined cam-and-lifter option for compatible engines.

JEGS lists fitment for 1957–1985 small-block Chevy engines, including the 350, and describes increased peak horsepower and a broader torque range over stock cams. The 3,000 RPM lower end of its stated power band is an important operating consideration for buyers comparing street behavior with higher-RPM use. The hydraulic flat-tappet format and included lifters clarify the valvetrain type and provide the core matched components for installation.

Skip it if you prioritize towing and low-RPM response; COMP Cams 12-239-3 Xtreme 4×4 lists a 1,300 RPM operating-range start.

This JEGS kit suits a compatible 1957–1985 350 build targeting the stated higher-RPM range and wanting lifters included. Weigh its 3,000 RPM power-band start carefully if the vehicle’s work centers on lower-speed driving.

Listed on Amazon as: Hydraulic Flat Tappet Camshaft & Lifters for 1957-1985 Chevy 262-400