Biggest cam, but still open headlights?

My winter project is to rebuild the 350 with flat top pistons, vortec heads, 9.5/1 C.R., performer intake.  My engine builder suggested "an RV-type cam, for torque and to keep the vacuum level up".  I want low-end torque and I certainly want to have enough vacuum to raise my headlights, but I also want a little roughness to the idle and I want the power curve to continue to maybe 5,000 or 5,500 RPMs, not the dismal 4,000 with the stock motor (at which point the power nose-dives.)  I was thinking more along the lines of the Lunati Voodoo 60102.  Will this cam provide me the vacuum I need?  Lunati suggestion with this cam is "improved valve springs and roller rockers recommended".  Are the standard Vortec springs strong enough for this cam?  Other thoughts?  Thanks in advance for your input! 

Chesh, I went with the Lunati Voodoo 60101 after talking to a Lunati tech rep. I plan on running EFI some time and don't want to run into low vacuum problems. The rep told me the came would give me good performance and does have a lope at idle. I haven't installed it yet due to just getting over some medical problems.

Dave

chesh,

If you run an "RV" cam you will not be taking full advantage of those vortec heads. Now I'm not telling you what cam to chose or buy, but I can tell you that I run a pretty healthy cam in mine. (LT4 HotCam to be exact.) And I have no issues with vacuum problems what so ever. (Headlights open and close ok). And that cam is strong from 2500 to 6000 rpms.

We have talked via PM about Vortec heads. If you buy the original Vortecs -Part # 12558060 (casting #10239906 or #12558062) they will only handle .480 lift. You will need to mod them just as I did mine, if you are going to run a cam that comes close to .480 cam lift.  Which cost a few bucks.

Now, if you go with the new updated small port Vortecs Part #25534421, they will handle up to .530 lift no mods required. They already have 3/8 screw in studs and the valve springs to handle the high cam lift.

BTW, They do make a large port Vortec head Part# 25534431. But that one is better suited for high rpm racing. Small port is better for street.

Sarge

See mcspeed.com and click on "killer lights" and change to electric headlight motors.  Then you can put it whatever cam you wish.  Looks like you don't care about NCRS survivor status so change them.  Electric is no more expensive than replacing all of you vacuum parts.

I have the electric headlight motors on my 73 and they work great.