I'm hoping for some input on a cam for my application. I've used CamQuest in the past to make selections, but that only covers Comp Cams. I'd be interested in Lunati, Crane, Crower, or others as long as it helps accomplish my goals. I've also consulted the 429-460.com engine build chart. The cams that are listed with the list seem to be geared more toward racing instead of off-road like I'm doing, so that's why I'm asking here.

I have read lots about the hydraulic rollers, but have no experience with them. I like the reduced valve train wear resulting from the use of roller lifters. Maybe my goals aren't enough to justify this route though.

I'm hoping for a little more than 1hp per cubic inch and about 600 ft/lbs of torque. Seems that a flat tappet cam can achieve that.

Here's the details:
460 BBF, 1969 Block
4.390 Bore
3.85 Stroke
Trick Flow Power Port 290 Aluminum Heads
2.2 Intake valves
1.76 Exhaust
290cc intake runner
130cc Exhaust runner
KB Pistons, 12cc dish
Compression is 10.4:1
Rockers TBD (most likely 1.73:1 rollers)
750-850 cfm carburetor
Stealth dual plane intake (not purchased yet)

Vehicle is a 79 Bronco, weight is 5500lbs. Current gear ratio is 3:50, soon swapping to 4:10. Converter is a no-name thing, stall is approximately 1800 rpm. Would like it to run on on pump gas, 91 octane. Vehicle is driven at elevations between 3500 and 10,000.

During the summer I drive this rig on trails up in the mountains. Mostly slow speed stuff, negotiating technical trails, but occasionally blasting through large mud holes, requiring lots of top end power. In the winter, top end power rules. Lots of time spent at full throttle as we blast through snow drifts, long snow packed roadways, and long uphill climbs through the snow.

Any input you guys have is appreciated.

 

I'm no cam expert, but lunati, crane, comp, and crower all have decent reputations for their cams depending on application. I have had good luck with, and received excellent support from comp, but to be fair I haven't given the others much chance.

With your setup you will have multiple options, however, I would be concerned about a larger cam that may produce a rough idle. This would not be ideal for your low speed crawling/climbing applications. I have an Xtreme 4x4 cam in my motor that I have yet to fire up and break in. I have no experience with cams that are any more than mild.

 

There is a list of build spec's and the power that each created at the 460 Ford forum:


460 Horsepower Chart (revised 1/24/09) - 460 Ford Forum

 

Thanks Turbo. I mention that very same list in the first paragraph of my post and how it's not really geared toward the same activities. I've compared a bunch of those cams using Comp Cam's Camquest software and I'm hoping for something with more low end torque.

***Edit***

The link I mention was the 429-460 forum, but it's the same as the 460forum list.

 

We share the same concerns. I'm still waiting for a response from everyone other than Howards, and the reply I got from them was a part number. No description or further discussion possible.

I had one of the 4x4 Extreme cams in a SBC. It was a decent cam. Good luck with yours.

 

What cam did you go with, we have almost identical builds, mine is going into a 78 F250. Same heads, just newer block for mine. My machinest said the Howards towing cam would have too much cylinder pressure and it wouldn't run on pump gas without retarding the ignition a lot.

 

JB,

I ended up calling Scott at Cam Research Corp in Colorado after a recommendation from a friend here. I ended up with a custom grind to account for the elevation and application.

Build thread--Cam Card Link