I'm beginning to rebuild my 400. All I'm really doing is resealing it. But while I'm at it I wanna put in a cam. What would be a good suggestion for a mild cam, just something a little lumpier than stock? If I can I'd like to retain the stock springs or would it be smart to just get new springs to?

 

Weight? compression? Trans manual? If Auto stall speed? usage? towing Yes/No? is Mpg or performance important?
what is the RPM range you want your power/torque?

 

Weight-Its a '77 F150 2WD so I'm not sure the curb weight. Trans is a C6 with a stock converter. Wont being towing, just a weekend cruiser with some punch. I just want something good to just bring it to life. So preferably something with a good balance. Compression is probably next to nothing haha Its just a bone stock 400. If I could get away with stock springs I'd like that, but if you think it would be smarter to just get springs to.

 

You should always use the springs the mfgr recommends put in at the height they say to use. Your motor probably has the stock exhaust retainers that rotate, they will have to replaced with non rotating retainers as well.

 

I dont believe I've heard of retainers. I know my way around a 400 pretty well, its just the cam and top end stuff that gets me. But it would be great if you explained that! lol Some of the cams I''m looking at say they are able to be used with the stock springs, I'm just not sure if its worth it though.

 

If you see a timing chain for 29.95 its not a good chain. will stretch soon. double roller timing chain is mandatory. will actually gain power by just changing to straight up timing compared to factory chain. factory is retarded and smogged up and hurts on power. Need to call cam company for dealing with factory springs. The factory springs are only rated for about 4500rpm max, will start floating and making some crazy noises and hurt engine. The simple trick to 400's is get compression up to about 9 to 1 compression and good timing chain and anything but a factory camshaft. compression camshaft and springs to match camshaft. 650cfm carb or bigger and your on you way to a stout 400. nice dual plane intake also. tim meyer has some cool parts out their for these engines and nows how to keep it simple or crazy depending on your situation. i use tim meyer and mpgheads for my ford engines builds. any questions drop a Pm and will help anyway I can.

 

2X what wyoming4x4 said.....but Im going to go one step further and say a Comp Cam 268 will wake up your 400. I did this exact swap about 15yrs ago....wish I knew about Mr Meyer then....Id have me a killer 400.
P.S I just realized my sig is missing a crucial bit of info. When I did my cam swap, I also did the Crane Screw in Stud kit conversion along with the <ahem> BBC roller tip rockers....I need to change my rockers to the 1:73 ratio...I think I'd get a few more ponies out of it.

 

X3 on wyoming4x4 statement. And i would go with a cam like a comp 268. Its a very good all around cam for a 400.