im wondering how bad of an idea it would be to put a cam in my 352 with 197k...just flirting with the idea any info would be great as to which cam compliments the fe's best thanks!


Sean

 

Well it's already got a cam in it...

Is it in otherwise good condition? If so, the Crane 343941 should work well for that year 352.

 

awesome ...ill look into that crane then....ive heard a comp cams are more chevy orientated?....any comments on them?...just looking around, im trying to find a cam that i would be able to slap in my 390 when i get the cash for my block and heads.....thanks for the fast response


Sean

 

yep the 941's are good and so are the 901's. The 941 has a very slight lope at idle but you may not notice it. the 941 requries upgrading rockers, valve springs, and pushrods. The 901 is mild but still makes decent power. I would go with a intake upgrade as well as carb, and headers. This will give that 352 anywhere from 300HP - 320HP. Comps are good as well but with FE's they need additoanil flow and the cranes are usually the best choice because the exhaust vavle stays open longer and opens more then the intake valve. Im running teh milder 901 in my HI PEF 352. Great engine lots gettyup and go.

 

ok so the 941 isnt something im gonna wanna run then if i need to upgrade a bunch of other stuf...im trying to find a cam that will give me some noticable lope at idle but that will be direct bolt on,no other parts needed then the cam....is there one thats gonna do this for me?...or am i over shooting my exspectations?

Sean

 

You can run the 941 without any other upgrades to the valvetrain, the 801 is the cutoff. Generally you dont want to go over .575" lift at the valve.

 

yes you can go with the 941 without upgrading stuff. But it is risky you could float a vavle at high RPM. Hey rusty, how much HP gain will you get with the 941 over the 901?

 

I forgot to mention the springs. The 901 and the 941 both require that you use the recommended springs, the 941 more so. Technically I guess you COULD run all the stock stuff, but it's probably best to use the recommended springs and adjustable rockers and their matching pushrods so you can accurately set lifter preload. This applies with ANY aftermarket cam. Again, you dont really HAVE to if the stock stuff is ok, but it's a good thing to do.

The 941 should be good for about 20hp over the 901 on an otherwise stock 352.

 

Dont forget to buy new lifters and break them in with the new cam.

 

Just me, but it's really not a good idea to cam-up a 197,000 mile motor. It won't like the change and will not last long afterward.

 

Agreed. It would put a lot pressuere on the other stuff and it may not last long. The most popular thing to do is completey rebuild the engine and start from the ground up with mods. That way you have a brand new fresh engine with mods on it that the engine will handle nicley as it breaks in. It also prolongs the longevity of the engine overall.

 

Dont mean to get off topic here but, I am wondering how hard is it too change the vavle springs? I know you need a valve spring comperssor, but thats it. What is the basic procedure for changing the vavle springs?

 

Not ahrd to do , but does take a little time to do so, along with a dose of patience. You will also need an air compressor and a spark plug adapter welded to a quick coupling air fitting. Remove the valve covers, and spark plugs, then with each cylinder at TDC , screw the air adapter into the spark plugs hole ( one at a time here) an pressurize the cylinder, then remove the valve spring using the spring compressor. Then reverse the procedure and move on to the next cylinder. The aip pressure holds the valves up when you remove the spring and retainer

 

I think cams are highly over-rated, especially for a stock 352. You should run without one :-)


Seriously, I think you will end up rebuilding that motor if you go into it. These FEs will run for a long time. But when you start changing things, the weak spots show up.


My 2 cents, drive it until it quits, then build what you want!

 

I have to Agree with the guys on a rebuild, or just run it until it breaks, then a complete rebuild....

Because you know as well as I do...you put a nice cam in there, and your driving habits are going to change? as in pedal to the bellhousing every chance you get!

Trust Me..it natural for us gearheads!!!! LOL!! Just my 2 cents! Russ