Comp Cam Vs. Crane Cam
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From: Bozeman, MT
Comp Cam Vs. Crane Cam
Well im finally getting around to junking the old 2bbl and throwing a 4 on there and while im at it I think I will cam it too. Currently I have a 390 w/Com Cams 268H and am looking at getting a Comp 292H. I know several of you guys reccomend the Crane 901 and Im curious why. The 268 has been a great cam but I need more (for some reason). Is there a reason you like the crane better than a Comp? Thanks
1970 F250 w/390
flattops and soon a Performer RPM
1970 F250 w/390
flattops and soon a Performer RPM
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: iowa
I am not sure that they are better but crane is preferred. I like crane over comp myself. A lot of ford guys like dual pattern cams because of the intake exhaust flow difference. The crane cams get a lot lift without having the huge duration numbers that can hurt big trucks and cars bottom end power.
Personally i am wondering what you have and why you are going from a 268h to a 292h. The 292h is a very big cam for a truck.
292/292
244/244
.560/.560
110 ls
Personally i am wondering what you have and why you are going from a 268h to a 292h. The 292h is a very big cam for a truck.
292/292
244/244
.560/.560
110 ls
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From: Bozeman, MT
Well basically Im looking for some more top end power. The 268 doesn't breathe in the upper RPM range. The truck will be setup for mud racing and general Ricer killing 
. The 268 has been an awesome cam and I really like the powernband on it, but I need more airflow. Im also looking at the Comp 280 also. Any more info is greately appreciated. Thanks guys.
Preston
. The 268 has been an awesome cam and I really like the powernband on it, but I need more airflow. Im also looking at the Comp 280 also. Any more info is greately appreciated. Thanks guys.Preston
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Iowa
Your best bet would be to improve airflow through the heads. This means, spend some time and port your heads. Or have them ported. Then bump up the cam a little, and you'll have much better results than simply putting a bigger cam in it.
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From: Bozeman, MT
I will soon be port matching the heads to the RPM intake but Im still worried about the power drop off that the 268 gives me. Do you honestly think that the 268 is a good choice for the truck? Thanks
Post Fiend
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From: Iowa
Port matching will help a little, but I was talking about fully porting your heads. As in, smoothing out the ports, removing the EGR bump, polishing the full length of the exhaust port, cleaning up the bowls, 3 angle valve seat grind, and so on.
On the cam, I'd run something a little bigger, like the Crane 343941. It's a 272* intake, 284* exhaust cam, with .533" intake, .563" exhaust lift.
The combination of a full porting of the heads and the cam will really wake things up. If you just put the bigger cam in it, you really wont pick up much on the top and you'll lose a lot on the bottom. This is because in stock form the heads really dont support a much bigger cam than you're running now. They simply dont flow enough. Pick a moderate cam like the one I mentioned, and let the head flow make your top end HP after you port 'em.
On the cam, I'd run something a little bigger, like the Crane 343941. It's a 272* intake, 284* exhaust cam, with .533" intake, .563" exhaust lift.
The combination of a full porting of the heads and the cam will really wake things up. If you just put the bigger cam in it, you really wont pick up much on the top and you'll lose a lot on the bottom. This is because in stock form the heads really dont support a much bigger cam than you're running now. They simply dont flow enough. Pick a moderate cam like the one I mentioned, and let the head flow make your top end HP after you port 'em.
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From: Bozeman, MT
Sounds good, thanks alot for the help. If I had enough money I would rather throw a nice set of Edel heads on, but alas, porting will have to do. Im going to take the truck as it is to the dyno hopefully this weekend for later comparisons. The biggest problem is trying to compete with a built 521 (punched out 460, no way I can keep up). Its just too hard to let my pretty FE go and replace it with a boring 386 series. Gots to keep em' runnin. Thanks guys
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FE "Freakin Expensive"
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From: Smith Mountain Lake, VA
Originally Posted by pkulaga
Sounds good, thanks alot for the help. If I had enough money I would rather throw a nice set of Edel heads on, but alas, porting will have to do. Im going to take the truck as it is to the dyno hopefully this weekend for later comparisons. The biggest problem is trying to compete with a built 521 (punched out 460, no way I can keep up). Its just too hard to let my pretty FE go and replace it with a boring 386 series. Gots to keep em' runnin. Thanks guys
Everyone thinks the 460" is a new Motor?? Hell its been around for over 30 years..Longer than some of you are Old?
If someone wanted to spend the money for a good swap kit..Pound for pound the 460 will make tons more Torque and tons more HP..for Less money!!
Per just motor Cost...Then you have to factor in the Swap kit and Labor!!
Dont get me wrong?? I love my FE's.... Thats why I kept the 390 in my 70...
But I'am building a 460/521" Stroker for another Project...this one will not be a cheap build.. Well for me anyway... About 8 to 10 Grand when done...
But it will make some Crazy Torque and HP for a 2800# Ride....
But you can build a 550HP 460 for around $4000
Anyway..Good Luck with your Project!!
Russ
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I think all he is saying is that he is partial to the FE's. I definately understand that. I know that 429/460's are very strong when built right and have been around several variotions of them. They just don't have as much history as the old FE and/or character (in my opinion). I know they can run and I do have some respect for them, they just don't interest me that much. Plus, they look very similar to a BBC (sorry guys, I couldn't resist).
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From: Bozeman, MT
Don't get me wrong, I almost had it with my FE when the wrist pin tried to cut throught to the water jacket. The idea of a 460 and an overdrive ZF manul tranny was really tuggin at me. But alas, the uniqueness of the FE will always prevail. And yes your right, the 460 is way older than me 
. Anyways thanks everybody for the cam help.
. Anyways thanks everybody for the cam help.
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From: Eastern Pa
When you port the heads please resist the urge to port match the intake side. You don't want to do that. The exhaust side yes. Intake no. There should be a ridge between the manifold and head to help stop reversion. Plus the height that the manifold runner dumps into the head is often very important to the way the designers intended it to work, if you mess with that you could negatively affect your performance. The manifold should be cleaned up and any seams or flash spots removed but it should remain semi abraisive to help with turbulance. From the chambers on is where you can match and polish everything to death.
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Phoenix Az, by way of Fre
finally someone who is running the same cam as I. neat.
i've been told the comps xe line has aggressive lobe profiles (comparitively speaking) for off the shelf sticks, and make good power as a result.
good advice.
i'd also spend money on bowl/valve work before hogging runners any.
Good Luck
i've been told the comps xe line has aggressive lobe profiles (comparitively speaking) for off the shelf sticks, and make good power as a result.
Originally Posted by tastyklair
When you port the heads please resist the urge to port match the intake side. You don't want to do that. The exhaust side yes. Intake no. There should be a ridge between the manifold and head to help stop reversion. Plus the height that the manifold runner dumps into the head is often very important to the way the designers intended it to work, if you mess with that you could negatively affect your performance. The manifold should be cleaned up and any seams or flash spots removed but it should remain semi abraisive to help with turbulance.
i'd also spend money on bowl/valve work before hogging runners any.
Good Luck
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From: Bozeman, MT
Hey CleanLX, you said your running the same cam, Comp 268H? How do you like it. My plan is to port/polish the heads and upgrade the cam, but I can't find anybody else that runs the 268H with an Edel RPM intake. Do you think it warrants an upgrade or stick with the 268?