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Old Aug 27, 2015 | 03:36 PM
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Cam Explanation

I'm concerned how changing a cam will affect CR.

I currently have an Isky 256 cam, 450 lift, 202* duration @ .050 lift, 112 LSA. Nice, mild cam.

I'm considering the Howard 263 cam, .448 lift, 209* duration @ .050 lift, 108 LSA. I have to admit I long for the lope at idle. Also, with this cam it is my understanding I should still be able to tow/haul.

I need to know with the 4* diff. in lobe separation, is that going to change my CR much/any?

Thanks for the help.
 
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Old Aug 27, 2015 | 03:49 PM
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Not going to be much change between those two at all. The new cam might have a touch better low end power due to the lsa, but the tiny duration difference likely won't even be noticeable unless you put it on a dyno.

What are your goals?
 
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Old Aug 27, 2015 | 07:17 PM
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The cam has nothing to do with compression ratio.
 
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Old Aug 27, 2015 | 07:36 PM
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the tighter the lsa, the choppier the idle. the only thing about a cam profile that will effect your cr is overlap(having both valves open at the same time) lots of overlap usually means a higher rpm cam.
usually a cam with 210* of duration @ 050 and higher will make it lope. maybe a cam between 215~225 with definitely lope on a 108 degree lsa. get above that and you will have a more agressive idle. in my '56 Ford f-100, my cam is 242* at 050 and its pretty rowdy( setting off car alarms in parking lots!!)
 
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Old Aug 27, 2015 | 07:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Canus
The cam has nothing to do with compression ratio.
Static is fixed, dynamic depends on the cam:

Static Vs Dynamic Compression Ratio | Piston Ratio

A lumpy, long duration cam in a low compression engine is a mistake.
 
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Old Aug 27, 2015 | 07:41 PM
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Originally Posted by F-250 restorer
I'm concerned how changing a cam will affect CR.

I currently have an Isky 256 cam, 450 lift, 202* duration @ .050 lift, 112 LSA. Nice, mild cam.

I'm considering the Howard 263 cam, .448 lift, 209* duration @ .050 lift, 108 LSA. I have to admit I long for the lope at idle. Also, with this cam it is my understanding I should still be able to tow/haul.

I need to know with the 4* diff. in lobe separation, is that going to change my CR much/any?

Thanks for the help.
Calculator:

Wallace Racing: Dynamic Compression Ratio Calculator
 
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