Elgin Camshaft

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Nov 12, 2020 | 06:28 PM

lizardman1

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Jul 2007

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From: Phoenix

Elgin Camshaft

I have narrowed down the cam for my 400. It is the Elgin E-954-P Duration @ .050": 214/224 Lift: .512/.538 Lobe Separation: 112 LC I will pair that with the Weiand 8010 U.S. version and Holley 4160 List 8004 date code 1584 carb. Now I have to get valve springs to go with the new cam. I have to pop off two of the springs to make sure I get the correct keepers.
Is there any way to tell without removing the springs? I am not sure if this engine is early 78 or later.

Nov 12, 2020 | 07:50 PM

JalopyJake

Tuned

Joined: Jan 2019

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From: Fallout Shelter

Don't know about the springs, but respectfully (as you may already know) I hope you're not running at stock 8 to 1 (or less) compression ratio on that 400 when you put the Elgin cam in. It's got a 292 advertised intake duration and your dynamic (real) compression would be anemic to say the least at about 6 to 1.
A lot of folks ignore advertised duration which is a big mistake if you want a responsive well performing engine especially in a truck. Not knocking the Elgin cam at all, you just need to have the compression to support it. Anyway, you may already know all of this and if that's the case maybe someone who don't will read it.

Nov 12, 2020 | 10:12 PM

lizardman1

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 753

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From: Phoenix

Lots of people use the Summit 5200 cam in their stock 351m engines its advertised duration is 282/292 and it seems to perform well. I do plan to rebuild the engine down the road and of course go with a flat top piston. Thanks for the input

Nov 13, 2020 | 08:10 AM

JalopyJake

Tuned

Joined: Jan 2019

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From: Fallout Shelter

Quote:

Originally Posted by lizardman1

That's the old performer grind figured at .004.....compared to the Elgin at .006 it has about a 270-275ish advertised AND 10 degrees less .050 duration. Big difference from 292. Yes, it's decent and cheap (why most people use it) but still a bit lacking in building good "running" compression in a stock 8 to 1 engine.
You'll see a lot of engine builders and guys who really understand valve timing events suggest cams similar to Comps 255deh, xe256h, etc. for a low compression 400.
But hey, it's your engine and I certainly don't want to seem too argumentative like a lot of people on here, lol. Have fun

Nov 13, 2020 | 10:48 AM

mark a.

Lead Driver

Joined: Mar 2004

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Why not just get one custom ground ? It doesn't cost all that much more and you would have the best cam for your money.

Nov 13, 2020 | 04:01 PM

lizardman1

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 753

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From: Phoenix

I checked on a couple of places for a custom grind, the cheapest was $225 + shipping. The Elgin was $97 delivered. I may not use this cam and just go with a roller. I have the lifters, spider and valve springs from Comp cams brand new. They were for my Windsor build, I sold that engine 2 years ago. I will pull the heads off this engine to check the pistons and to verify that it is a 400.