cam selection

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Aug 26, 2004 | 06:48 PM

Old Beater

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cam selection

Hi new here but I've lurked a bit.

I have an '86 F150 4x4 lariat and rebuilding my 351w. Got the block pulled and at machine shop (good block), stock crankshaft and connecting rods. Parts I believe I will be using include: edlebrock perfomer rpm dual plane intake, gibson or summit truck headers, 750 cfm holley elec choke vacum secondaries (too much carb?), block bored over .030, Keith black hyper flat tops about a 11.5:1 comp ratio, world castings roush 180 cast iron heads 58cc chambers.

Cam I'm thinking about is the comp cams exteme energy 282 hydrolic flat tappet. Will this produce the low end torque i want? any suggestions on a good cam or any other of the parts mentioned above? not looking for top speed and im on a budget. weekend warrior type of truck not daily driver.

Up front dana 44, new process 208, C6 auto tranny, ford 9" in back, I think its a 3.50 or 3.55 gear ratio in my differentials. do i need to change my torque converter from stock? soo many questions

thanks for any replies
livin in Az Scottsdale area Hi to any AZ folks.

Aug 27, 2004 | 04:08 PM

mark a.

Lead Driver

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I would put a roller cam & lifters in it. 11.5 is a awful lot of comp. You'll have to run expensive fuel. I would shoot for 9 to 1 that way you can fill up anywhere.

Aug 27, 2004 | 09:16 PM

Big Jim M

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From: Central Texas

I think you are settin that bigboy up to run at 3k and above! With track only available fuel.
I betcha if you went to a 650 cfm vac secondarys carb and 9.5/1 compression and a 268/278 unequal cam you would be a LOT happier with that truck. You prolly already have bigger than stock tires on her doncha? So those 3:50's are already overworked.
Yep! You will need a cam with more bottom end than that 282.
Big Jim

Aug 28, 2004 | 12:17 AM

mako5972

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From: Ocala, Florida

Holley Truck Avenger 670 cfm. For the cam shaft any of Comp Cams XTREME 4X4 cams. They will have the grunt that you need for the 4x4. Pick a camshaft that conforms to your driving habits. Your compression is a bit high for the street. Look at KB-181 pistons they have 22 cc cup and will lower the compression to a more streetable compression (Keith Black hypereutectic pistons).

Aug 28, 2004 | 10:16 AM

Old Beater

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thanks for responses, its my first engine build and i might be going a little too nutty with my parts selection

I was looking for torque somewhere in the 400lb ft range and around 370 horses.
something like this http://www.compcams.com/Technical/DynoSheets/XE274H-10_001.asp the graph doesnt start till 2500 rpm maybe i want something more off idle?

yeah i know 11.5:1 comp is huge better stock up on octane boost, its just that that old 351 was a dog man no compression, wonky smog crap, it had no power, little stock toyota corrolas could kick my butt. also i dont have to smog test this vehicle so i just ripped out all that smog hosing and it aint goin back on.

picking out parts is the hugest headache especially when looking through summit or something and its all chevy stuff

me and my father in law go in circles all day over the chevy vs ford thing and finnally decided they are almost the same engine chevy just moved the distributor and oil filter to the rear of the engine.

oh yeah my driving habbits with this truck are going to be me standing up on the gas pedal all day long lol. not gonna be a daily driver, more of a hunting and play vehicle just a toy.

Last edited by Old Beater; Aug 28, 2004 at 10:19 AM.

Aug 28, 2004 | 10:35 AM

Big Jim M

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Joined: Aug 2004

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From: Central Texas

Howdy Old Beater

BOOST ain't going to get you there! Quit looking at those charts thinking of a few extra HP! look at the rpm that you drive the machine at.. from 700 to around that RPM is where you will use the engine. you will be so sorry if you don't wise up. I have seen many times vehicles with 500 HP that wouldn't drive down the street. What you want for that 4X4 is a 260-268 intake and 270-280 exhaust with whatever lift the cam comes with. Your choice of manufactorers.
Having all your HP at 6000 and driving at 2500 is a real drag... Read this and take it as a warning. BUY THE CAM THAT WORKS IN YOUR RPM RANGE!
Big Jim