camshaft selection

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Apr 6, 2006 | 02:21 PM

durk

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camshaft selection

well after alot of thinking I have made up my mind to put my dirt track car on the road. It is going to get 390 that I have in my truck. I don't want to put alot of money in the car but I am going to put in a different cam. The car has 5.12 gears and a manual 3 speed tranny. I was wondering if the MTF-4 cam would be a good cam to put in the car. I know it will be down on torque but with the gears I have I need a cam that will be better on the top end. So guys tell me what you think.

Apr 6, 2006 | 06:43 PM

Randyb12

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From: Eureka, Ca.

We need more info.What is the CR, what heads and intake? What are the specs on that cam?

Apr 7, 2006 | 07:55 AM

durk

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this motor is a stock 390 car motor except for a RPM manifold and a holley 600. It has the C8AE-H heads with hardened valve seats installed.

Apr 7, 2006 | 10:57 AM

rusty70f100

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From: Iowa

DO NOT get the MTF-4 cam. It is a real POS. It has a long duration with a very slow ramp, making it a dog at all rpm's. It's best to look to Crane or Comp for your cam choices.

Apr 7, 2006 | 11:14 PM

durk

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I think the main thing I want is a cam that will have a smooth idle and be for higher rpm's. the cams that i have seen from crane seem the either be for low rpms or have a choppy idle. The reason i want to run the mtf-4 is because I bought it for my truck and ran it for about two weeks because at lower rpm's it was a dog. But at about 2500 rpm's it would take off like a rocket and since I have a 2000 stall for the car i figured it would come in at a good place. I will check with comp cams to see what they can offer me.

Apr 8, 2006 | 02:02 AM

FalconStng

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I can't say that I've ever been successful with a smooth idle and higher rpm's both....usually you can only pick one of these. I agree with Rusty that Comp Cams and Crane both are good choices.

Apr 8, 2006 | 11:37 AM

rusty70f100

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From: Iowa

I'm running a Crane 343941 in my 390. With appropriate ignition timing at idle, it idles like a stocker, but it will take off and make a lot of power.