Which Cam do I need?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Which Cam do I need?
I've been reading a lot of the threads, and have noticed everyone recommending crane cams, especially the crane 901? I'm going to put a new cam in my 76 f100 (it has a 360, eventually going to be a 390, has edelbrock 600cfm carb, intake, headers, dual exhaust, msd ignition,etc.) and was wondering why the crane cam is recommended over edelbrock or comp cams. With my setup do you think this is still the best cam?
After I have the cam, what is the best way to install it? (I've never done a cam installation and I don't want to destroy any valveshttp), and should I advance or retard it (and what does advancing or retarding it do, and how do you do this?)
Will need it for some towing, load hauling, and everyday street driving. (and since I'm getting around 7-8 mpg some economy)
After I have the cam, what is the best way to install it? (I've never done a cam installation and I don't want to destroy any valveshttp), and should I advance or retard it (and what does advancing or retarding it do, and how do you do this?)
Will need it for some towing, load hauling, and everyday street driving. (and since I'm getting around 7-8 mpg some economy)
Last edited by f100 guy; Apr 11, 2004 at 07:10 PM.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 22,436
Likes: 17
From: Louisville,Ky.
Well, personally I prefer CompCams and so do the NASCAR teams. I have a CompCams 268H in my 460 and I love it.
If you are ging to install a larger camshaft, you need new lifters, and you really need a matching set of valvesprings along with a good double roller timingchain set..
As far as actual installation, that would take too much space and time to try to write it up here.
When you get a good timing set, you can set the crank gear 3 different ways. Retarded, straight up, or advanced.
Advancing will give you more bottom end power but will lose top end power, retarding it will do the opposite. Straight up will give you the best of both worlds.
I would go to CompCams website and fill out the questioneer and they will recommend the proper camshaft for your application.
Jimmy
If you are ging to install a larger camshaft, you need new lifters, and you really need a matching set of valvesprings along with a good double roller timingchain set..
As far as actual installation, that would take too much space and time to try to write it up here.
When you get a good timing set, you can set the crank gear 3 different ways. Retarded, straight up, or advanced.
Advancing will give you more bottom end power but will lose top end power, retarding it will do the opposite. Straight up will give you the best of both worlds.
I would go to CompCams website and fill out the questioneer and they will recommend the proper camshaft for your application.
Jimmy
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,934
Likes: 0
From: iowa
it seems you must be hanging around the fe forum section. They like the crane because it seems to produce the best in the fe motors over comp cams. They tend to consider the edelbrock cam to be whimpy. And with the 901 cam you don't need to modify the valvatrain. Lxman1 is right on the the advance/retard. I would advance it a tooth, its about a couple degrees. And the 600cfm is big enough for a 390.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Setting timimg with a new cam
Thanks guys, you're helpful as always!
Just thought of something else, with the cam advanced a tooth, would I still time the engine at the factory setting? I don't know if this is independant of the cam and it's advance, and how they play out together (as you can tell I've quite a bit to learn here.)
Just thought of something else, with the cam advanced a tooth, would I still time the engine at the factory setting? I don't know if this is independant of the cam and it's advance, and how they play out together (as you can tell I've quite a bit to learn here.)
Last edited by f100 guy; Apr 13, 2004 at 04:39 PM.
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
Ignition timing is independent from cam timing. For all practical purposes, I would say just install the cam straight up and be done with it. If you have the correct cam to begin with, you really dont need to worry about changing the timing. Leave that to the SBC guy that bought the way-too-big cam and needs to advance it to get some low end torque back.
For ignition timing, I like to increase it by 2 degrees, go out and test it, and if it doesnt ping do another 2. Keep doing that 'till it pings, then go back 2 and call it good.
For my cam recommendations, for otherwise stock motors, I'm gonna say the Crane 343971 for a 360 and the Crane 343901 for the 390.
Edit: Dont forget to break in the cam correctly!!! Upon first starting it, run it at 1500-2500rpm's, slowly varying, for 30 minutes. DO NOT LET IT IDLE!!! If you have a problem with the motor for the first 30 minutes while breaking in the cam, shut it off.
For ignition timing, I like to increase it by 2 degrees, go out and test it, and if it doesnt ping do another 2. Keep doing that 'till it pings, then go back 2 and call it good.
For my cam recommendations, for otherwise stock motors, I'm gonna say the Crane 343971 for a 360 and the Crane 343901 for the 390.
Edit: Dont forget to break in the cam correctly!!! Upon first starting it, run it at 1500-2500rpm's, slowly varying, for 30 minutes. DO NOT LET IT IDLE!!! If you have a problem with the motor for the first 30 minutes while breaking in the cam, shut it off.
Last edited by rusty70f100; Apr 13, 2004 at 06:07 PM.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Hey rusty,
Thanks for the info on breaking in the cam, cause I think the exact thing I would have done was let it idle for about 30 minutes! I'm not sure what you mean by 'ping' though(Are you talking about knock or what?)
Thanks for the info on breaking in the cam, cause I think the exact thing I would have done was let it idle for about 30 minutes! I'm not sure what you mean by 'ping' though(Are you talking about knock or what?)
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
Yep, preignition. Typically, you'll hear it at full throttle, just after it shifts into second. That's where it does it on mine anyway, it can happen under most any conditions. Make sure you get the engine fully warmed up. It sounds like a kind of fluttery rattle. That's the best way I can describe it. When you hear it you'll know.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
When you look at the dynamic compression, the 971 looks like it would work better with a 360. It would allow it to build more compression than would the 901 or the 941. For the 971, crane recommends 7.75-8.75 compression. The 360 has 8.5, so that's right in the upper area of the range. For the 901 on the other hand, crane recommends 8.0-9.5 compression. It's still in the range, but lower in the range. For the 941, crane recommends 8.75-10.75 compression. The 360 is out of this range. The 971 should give better low end torque, mileage, and driveability in the 360 than would the 901 or the 941.
The short explanation is that the 360 has low compression, and needs a cam to match.
The short explanation is that the 360 has low compression, and needs a cam to match.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 508
Likes: 0
From: Corpus Christi, Texas
hey guys just read something the other day on comp cams they come with a 4 degree grind, so if you install it straight up on the "0" mark on your timming gears you will get 4 degrees advance