I've been making a parts list for my 429 lately and I'm kinda stuck on what size cam to use. I'm building it to put into my 78 F-150. I can order the c8ve and c9ve heads from work for about $130 each. I want to shoot for around 400hp and about 450-500ft lbs. torque. My question is what size cam should I go with? I'm looking for good low and midrange power as the truck is a 4x4. Also...what are the CC's of these heads? I've read between 75-72cc but I'm not positive??? I just want to make sure. I already have most of my parts picked out. I'm just looking for a good cam, pistons and possibly a crankshaft if mine can't be turned. Anyone have any suggestions or input they'd like to share?? I appreaciate all the help folks!!



1978 F-150 flareside. Primitive by todays standards but she was a jaw dropper back then. :-staun

 

Best option for you is to call a cam ginder and tell them what you want to run it in and what is has on it. They will have all the specs on your setup already and direct you in the right direction.

 

Go to compcams.com and fill out a cam sheet. then they will recommend a camshaft to do the job.

Jimmy

 

Check your 429 crank before doing anything else. If it won't cleanup, though it should, get a 460 crank and then you can order 460 pistons.

Take about an hour to grind the smog bumps out of the C8 or C9 heads. It's well worth the effort. The chambers should be 75-78cc.

In your conversations with cam people, tell them you want a cam grind that suits your purposes, but you want the exhaust duration to be 6-10 degrees higher and exhaust lift .06-.010 higher than the intake. 385 heads have a restricted exhaust port and favoring the exhaust on the cam grind will help it flow.

Above all, invest in a good set of full tube headers like L&L with a good dual exhaust of at least 2.5" pipe and you won't have any problems making 400hp/475ftlb torque.