302 Camshaft Conundrum
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302 Camshaft Conundrum
Hey guys, after doing alot of research about applicable camshafts for my stock 302 I am rebuilding, I just need that one more reassurance I am on the right track. Now, I have a 1979 302 2bbl, new springs etc. with a 3 speed manual (2.99, 1.75, 1.00) and p235 75r15 tires with a stock 9" rear.
Now thats out of the way, I have narrowed my choice to a Comp Cam "260H" (31-216-2). Duration @.500 is 212 and Valve lift is .447 and 110degree Lobe Separation.
My question now is that will this Cam work with my stock set up and not pose a problem to my pressed in studs or any other valve train components. My goal is a slightly improved Cam than stock with a noticeable idle but not too radical that my gearing will be an issue. Thank you.
Now thats out of the way, I have narrowed my choice to a Comp Cam "260H" (31-216-2). Duration @.500 is 212 and Valve lift is .447 and 110degree Lobe Separation.
My question now is that will this Cam work with my stock set up and not pose a problem to my pressed in studs or any other valve train components. My goal is a slightly improved Cam than stock with a noticeable idle but not too radical that my gearing will be an issue. Thank you.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
What axle ratio?
The cam is not your issue the heads are. From the potential for pulling studs out to the massive combustion chambers they are essentially junk, you could solve those issues and gain some both HP and TQ by simply bolting on a set of late model E7TE heads, they will produce a 1/2 point bump in compression and give you pedestal mount rockers that won't have any problem with the higher lift cam you want to use. Or you could step it up another notch with GT40 heads and along with the above 2 things they will add 20% more HP and TQ.
The cam is not your issue the heads are. From the potential for pulling studs out to the massive combustion chambers they are essentially junk, you could solve those issues and gain some both HP and TQ by simply bolting on a set of late model E7TE heads, they will produce a 1/2 point bump in compression and give you pedestal mount rockers that won't have any problem with the higher lift cam you want to use. Or you could step it up another notch with GT40 heads and along with the above 2 things they will add 20% more HP and TQ.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2014
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From: Shreveport, LA
Conan always has good points. I would add that we used that exact same cam in a '75 F100 with a 302, 9 inch rear with 3.25 gears, 3 speed. My dad did this re-freshening back in 1985 and used the stock 1975 truck heads. But used an Edelbrock Performer intake with a 600 cfm vacuum secondary Holley carb. and headers.
The truck was a decent runner for what it was back in the day. And we had no trouble with stock studs pulling out of the heads. That doesn't mean you won't, however. The heads that Conan lists would be an improvement for sure. The E7's probably won't flow much more but the GT40's will.
The truck was a decent runner for what it was back in the day. And we had no trouble with stock studs pulling out of the heads. That doesn't mean you won't, however. The heads that Conan lists would be an improvement for sure. The E7's probably won't flow much more but the GT40's will.
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Thank you for that info, i am going to keep the stock heads though, what would be your advice at this point? Go to a smaller cam ? Or stick with This one i chose? What would be a result if i did just iNstall the 260 as is?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2014
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From: Shreveport, LA
If it were me, for just a piece of mind, I would check Comps recommendation of spring for that cam. Check the spring rates, open and closed and then try to set your springs as close as you can to those spring rates. That may be able to be done, it may not. But that would keep you from having to change springs.
Springs for that cam shouldn't need much more than stock. I think we used the stock springs.
Springs for that cam shouldn't need much more than stock. I think we used the stock springs.
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Thanks, I already ordered some edelbrock springs a little better than stock just to be safe, I am feeling better about going ahead and ordering the 260H cam And after doing more research have seen other people with success stories just with stock application, after all it really isnt that big of a cam anyways
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 884
Likes: 5
From: Shreveport, LA
It's not. My dad used to describe it as a "2 stage over stock". But back in 1985, it was an "RV" cam or this was the next one up.
Another note, make sure you follow break in procedure to the letter with a hydraulic flat tappet cam. (You may already know about this). Also use some good oil with probably some zinc package or additive for the first fire up.
Another note, make sure you follow break in procedure to the letter with a hydraulic flat tappet cam. (You may already know about this). Also use some good oil with probably some zinc package or additive for the first fire up.
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