COMP Cams Nitrided Camshaft CS 279T H7

This COMP Cams Nitrided Camshaft, part number 12-600-20, features a 227/241 degree intake/exhaust duration and .462/.480 lift. The nitriding process hardens the surface of the camshaft, making it more resistant to wear, especially important for flat tappet designs like this one. It’s designed to give your Chevrolet Gen 1 Small Block engine a distinctively aggressive, thumping idle and a noticeable boost in horsepower and torque across a wide RPM range.

This camshaft is a popular choice for muscle cars and street rods where that classic race car sound is desired. The early intake valve opening and extended exhaust duration create significant valve overlap, which is what produces that characteristic choppy idle. To make sure your drivetrain can keep up with the engine's improved powerband, COMP Cams recommends using an aftermarket torque converter with a stall speed of 2000 RPM or higher, along with lower gear ratios. You'll also likely see reduced vacuum at idle, so a vacuum canister, pump, or hydroboost system is often needed if your vehicle has power brakes.

This camshaft fits a wide variety of Chevrolet Gen 1 Small Block engines, including popular displacements like the 350, 327, and 400. It's important to confirm your engine uses a flat tappet valvetrain, as this camshaft is not compatible with factory roller camshafts found in many 1985 and newer Small Blocks, or the LS-based engines. If you're aiming for a strong performance upgrade with a sound that demands attention, this camshaft is a solid option.