Camshaft Suggestions
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,576
Likes: 41
From: Wyoming
Camshaft Suggestions
For my 1979 Bronco with 3.50 gears, C6 and 33.5" tires.
Build:
400 bored .030"
Block Decked to 10.280"
Flat top Pistons (3ccc) with a pin height of 1.700"
TFS 195 heads with 72cc chambers
Edelbrock Performer intake
Headers
Compression Ratio Static 11:1
Elevation 7200 feet: Operating range is 6000' to 9000'
Fuel will be anything from 85 to 91 octane
Note elevation is why I am at 11:1.... probably should be closer to 11.5:1 but I am not going to put a dome on pistons, and 62cc heads push me to 12.6:1 which is a tad high for the rpms I will be turning.
RPM range 1000 to 4800
Just want good throttle response and acceleration while pulling up 2000 feet of mountain roads. A cam that is nice to EFI would be great in case I choose to go down that road in the future.
Cam suggestions are welcomed.
I am overwhelmed by durations @.050, at valve lift, at .004, at .020 etc. I just want a cam that works at my elevation, with more cranking compression than I had with the stock setup. 110 psi was anemic, but good considering 8.4:1 compression ratio at 7200 ft.
Thank You
This is the camshaft I think will work:
Build:
400 bored .030"
Block Decked to 10.280"
Flat top Pistons (3ccc) with a pin height of 1.700"
TFS 195 heads with 72cc chambers
Edelbrock Performer intake
Headers
Compression Ratio Static 11:1
Elevation 7200 feet: Operating range is 6000' to 9000'
Fuel will be anything from 85 to 91 octane
Note elevation is why I am at 11:1.... probably should be closer to 11.5:1 but I am not going to put a dome on pistons, and 62cc heads push me to 12.6:1 which is a tad high for the rpms I will be turning.
RPM range 1000 to 4800
Just want good throttle response and acceleration while pulling up 2000 feet of mountain roads. A cam that is nice to EFI would be great in case I choose to go down that road in the future.
Cam suggestions are welcomed.
I am overwhelmed by durations @.050, at valve lift, at .004, at .020 etc. I just want a cam that works at my elevation, with more cranking compression than I had with the stock setup. 110 psi was anemic, but good considering 8.4:1 compression ratio at 7200 ft.
Thank You
This is the camshaft I think will work:
Voodoo Retro-Fit Hydraulic Roller Cam - Ford Boss 351, 351C, 351M, 400M 262/270
Retro-Fit Hydraulic Roller. Excellent cam with noticeable torque and HP increases throughout the RPM range. Works great for daily drivers and towing. ;Advertised Duration (Int/Exh): 262/270 ;Duration @ .050 (Int/Exh): 211/219 ;Gross Valve Lift (Int/Exh): .559/.559 ;LSA/ICL: 112/106 ;Valve Lash (Int/Exh): Hyd/Hyd ;RPM Range: 1600-5600
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 563
Likes: 143
From: CA
I’d shoot Lykins an email with that info and get a custom grind.
https://customfordcams.com/products
https://customfordcams.com/products
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 869
Likes: 186
From: Near my truck
That voodoo cam would cure the anemia and provide you with an estimated cranking pressure of +/- 160psi at 6,000ft.
I'm using 6,000ft as that is the lowest altitude you'll be driving in.
The dynamic compression ratio with that cam is circa 9 : 1, which is way too high, normally at sea level, but you're not at sea level.
The main consideration would be the octane grade of fuel to be used.
160psi would probably require 91 octane. 89 octane might be ok, I don't know for sure.
If you intend using 85 or 87 octane, then I'd reconsider that cam choice.
Make a note to change the existing spark plugs to 2 levels cooler, regardless of the final cam choice.
Good throttle response and acceleration will require a dialed in carb, and a thoroughly dialed in ignition timing curve, but that applies to any engine.
With those closed chamber heads and zero deck, you'll definitely have more power, and the engine won't use any more gas than at present. In fact you should see an improvement in gas mileage.
I'm using 6,000ft as that is the lowest altitude you'll be driving in.
The dynamic compression ratio with that cam is circa 9 : 1, which is way too high, normally at sea level, but you're not at sea level.
The main consideration would be the octane grade of fuel to be used.
160psi would probably require 91 octane. 89 octane might be ok, I don't know for sure.
If you intend using 85 or 87 octane, then I'd reconsider that cam choice.
Make a note to change the existing spark plugs to 2 levels cooler, regardless of the final cam choice.
Good throttle response and acceleration will require a dialed in carb, and a thoroughly dialed in ignition timing curve, but that applies to any engine.
With those closed chamber heads and zero deck, you'll definitely have more power, and the engine won't use any more gas than at present. In fact you should see an improvement in gas mileage.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,625
Likes: 342
From: Albuquerque
I rum 10:1 at 5,500 asl. It needs 91 cotane with the smaller Crane roller cam they used to offer. Water/meth injection might be an option, it works for me. I think 11;1 probable isn't going to fly.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,576
Likes: 41
From: Wyoming
Thanks for the replys.
My elevation is kicking my a$$.
My old 1969 429 thunder jet tbird with factory 11:1 compression runs fine up here.
Was hoping to model my 400 after that.
Guess I will have to consider E85 to get any power out of a motor at my elevation.
I can run 91 octane full time as I do with my 545 cid stroker at 14:1 compression. It's not street friendly because it breaks drivetrains and cannot be used if air temps go above 80 without blending E85.....which is a pain. It's cam is a medium sized 2000 to 6000 rpm 460 cam which is small for a 545. Fortunately at my elevation it only gets above 80 a week or 2 a year and that's only for a couple hours a day.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
what DCR should I be shooting for, at my elevation?
My elevation is kicking my a$$.
My old 1969 429 thunder jet tbird with factory 11:1 compression runs fine up here.
Was hoping to model my 400 after that.
Guess I will have to consider E85 to get any power out of a motor at my elevation.
I can run 91 octane full time as I do with my 545 cid stroker at 14:1 compression. It's not street friendly because it breaks drivetrains and cannot be used if air temps go above 80 without blending E85.....which is a pain. It's cam is a medium sized 2000 to 6000 rpm 460 cam which is small for a 545. Fortunately at my elevation it only gets above 80 a week or 2 a year and that's only for a couple hours a day.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
what DCR should I be shooting for, at my elevation?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 869
Likes: 186
From: Near my truck
In that case you'll be fine with that cam.
I run 91 octane with a 175-180psi cranking pressure without any issues, regardless of weather temperature.
If you want a useful benchmark, measure the cranking pressures on your 429 and 545.
I run 91 octane with a 175-180psi cranking pressure without any issues, regardless of weather temperature.
If you want a useful benchmark, measure the cranking pressures on your 429 and 545.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,576
Likes: 41
From: Wyoming
I found a good tool.
Jeep Strokers - Dynamic\Static Compression Ratio Calculator
You put in motor data and cam data and elevation and it spits out DCR at the elevation input.
You have to be careful because any camshaft advance degrees needs to be doubled for crankshaft degrees.
The above camshaft gives a DCR of 8.4 at 6000 ft, a DCR of 8.16 at 7200 ft where I live.
FYI at 5500 ft it would be 8.5 DCR.
Jeep Strokers - Dynamic\Static Compression Ratio Calculator
You put in motor data and cam data and elevation and it spits out DCR at the elevation input.
You have to be careful because any camshaft advance degrees needs to be doubled for crankshaft degrees.
The above camshaft gives a DCR of 8.4 at 6000 ft, a DCR of 8.16 at 7200 ft where I live.
FYI at 5500 ft it would be 8.5 DCR.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 869
Likes: 186
From: Near my truck
Punch your numbers in again, but this time make the altitude zero.
What happens to the DCR ?
Make sure the IVC shown at the bottom right is 57.
What happens to the DCR ?
Make sure the IVC shown at the bottom right is 57.
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Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,576
Likes: 41
From: Wyoming
Yup, need to check 429, but the 545 is 205 psi with carb completely off on #1.@ 7200 ft. Probably less with carb on but still too high. Need to retard cam 4 degrees or more.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,576
Likes: 41
From: Wyoming
sea level is 9.6:1 and IVC is 51 degrees.
I assume that is at advertised and not @ .050
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 869
Likes: 186
From: Near my truck
Oops, the DCR will change in that calculator.
Try this one rather :
Wallace Racing: Dynamic Compression Ratio Calculator
My point is that the DCR shouldn't change, but the cylinder pressure should.
Try this one rather :
Wallace Racing: Dynamic Compression Ratio Calculator
My point is that the DCR shouldn't change, but the cylinder pressure should.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 869
Likes: 186
From: Near my truck
51 is wrong, so if that calculator is calculating 51 and all your input figures were correct, stop using it.
57 is the IVC at the 0.006'' advertised duration, based on the actual cam specs. (I.E. no 6* advance !!??)
32 is the IVC at 0.05''.
0.006'' is basically zero, so one can accept 57*. (Maybe it's actually 57.4*, say, fully closed)
0.05'' means that the valve is not closed. Why ? Coz it's open 0.05''.
If you have a part number for that cam, check the manufacturer's website for the cam specs, and it should show 57* and 32* at 0.006'' and 0.05'' respectively.
Your assumption is correct.
The SCR and DCR will not be affected by altitude. In fact it will not be affected by anything other than a change of parts.
The cylinder pressure is what changes with altitude.
Hope that makes sense.
57 is the IVC at the 0.006'' advertised duration, based on the actual cam specs. (I.E. no 6* advance !!??)
32 is the IVC at 0.05''.
0.006'' is basically zero, so one can accept 57*. (Maybe it's actually 57.4*, say, fully closed)
0.05'' means that the valve is not closed. Why ? Coz it's open 0.05''.
If you have a part number for that cam, check the manufacturer's website for the cam specs, and it should show 57* and 32* at 0.006'' and 0.05'' respectively.
Your assumption is correct.
The SCR and DCR will not be affected by altitude. In fact it will not be affected by anything other than a change of parts.
The cylinder pressure is what changes with altitude.
Hope that makes sense.
