cam specs.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 288
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From: Farmington MN U. S. A.
cam specs.
I am looking into a kit from northern auto parts and it comes with a cam. My question is, what kind of cam suits me? This is a 390 in a 76 highboy and gets used for pulling mostly. I already have very low gears and just want more low to mid Grunt.. So when I ask the salesman at northern what cam options are avbailable with my rebuild kit, what numbers am I looking for?
Also, What is the correct procedure for breaking in a new cam? I heard to run it at 2k RPM for 2 hours! Is this correct? Just crank the idle up then and let her go?
I have others but I will wait till my parts come. Thanks to all!!!!!
Also, What is the correct procedure for breaking in a new cam? I heard to run it at 2k RPM for 2 hours! Is this correct? Just crank the idle up then and let her go?
I have others but I will wait till my parts come. Thanks to all!!!!!
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,624
Likes: 8
From: Missouri
cam specs.
I would keep your duration in the 205 - 215 area. around 205 on the intake and 215 on the exhaust. That is at .050. When breaking the cam in you should never run a constant speed. Start the enigne making sure it starts as quickly as possible and bring the rpms up to 1,500. Slowly rev the engine up to 2,500 and slowly back down to 1,500. You should do this for 30 minutes. Make sure your oil is the regular type. I like havoline for breaking engines in. Watch your temperature. Make sure your cooling system is up to the task. I always have a hose handy in case I need to drizzle a little over the radiator to keep it cool. You should have a friend or two to help. Keep your distributor loose enough to turn to get the timing adequate enough to run properly. Leave the radiator cap off also to help eliminate any air pockets in the system. Good Luck.
EDIT: The crane 343901 is a nice cam for a stock 390.
EDIT: The crane 343901 is a nice cam for a stock 390.
Last edited by Ratsmoker; Mar 16, 2003 at 10:33 PM.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
From: Farmington MN U. S. A.
cam specs.
Yeah I keep hearing about the 901 cam, however its not a choice in my rebuild kit. I am goin with federal mogul for the kit and the cam comes with. So 1/2 hour on break in and dont let it sit at the same rpm. and stay above 1500.
