[updated:LAST EDITED ON 15-Aug-02 AT 12:34 PM (EST)]I want to install a new cam and lifters in my 77 460. No, I don’t have the numbers off the block or heads yet, but I can if it will help. I was wondering. What would be the largest amount of lift in a cam that could be used in a stock 460 without having to change stuff like rocker arms and springs.(I just don’t want to go overboard) I will add a after market chain (straight up 0), a little smoothing and clean-up on the head ports, and a valve job on the heads. This will be for pulling a trailer.(6-10,000lb gross weight)I’m looking for torque. I have a vac. secondary 750 holley, dual 2.5 exhaust with factory manifolds, 3.54 gears, with a c6 trany. This is all in a 77 Ext Cab F-250 work truck, with cold ac I might add!!(I'm just proud of that,Tx tends to get a little warm)Would a MSD 6A spark box be a significant power improvement also? This is my first 460 of my own, so I’m not quite sure of specs and limits of component. I’ve already acquired tons of info on stuff from just reading on this board, and not even having to ask a question.
Thanks in advance
Chuck
Oh, I am leaning towards the
Crane 353902,204/216@.050",.487"int/.518"exh gross lift.

 

i too have been thinking about a cam for my engine. i noticed a big improvement in power with the 6a and blaster coil. just got the bugs worked out on the new carb and intake, and that was am inprovement over stock also. the cam i have been looking at is the comp cams 268h, not sure about the lift, but i think its close to the one your looking at. but if all you are pulling is 6-10,000 i would think that the 460 could do it. my truck is rated at 13000 stock, and i think the only limiting factor is the brakes. i guess it depends on where your pulling it, in the mountains or on the plains. but i bet my engine could pull the 10,000 lb trailer up some hills. if you dont need to worry about emmissions then get a pre-72 timing chain for the 460 which puts your new cam straight up instead of the 4 degree timing retard which will provide even more power. just remember to get some good trailer brakes. and good luck, let us know if you decide to get the cam and how it turns out.


1977 F250 460
C6 Hedman Headers
Dual 40 series
edelbrock performer
holley 4160
msd 6a and blaster coil

 

I plan on using a after market double roller timing set, set at 0. I had my dump trailer built, and had brakes put on both axles. If I power them up fully, they will lock up all 4 tires if I'm on any gravel at all. I've looked at the 268H. I'm trying to keep the lift as closed to 500" as possible to avoid any major problems with the stock components I'm keeping. From what I've read on this board, "Less is More”, so no need to put a 600 lift cam in a engine with stock intake, valves, and pistons.(not that the 268H has 600, but you know what I mean) Thanks for your input, I think I will get the 6A box and coil after I do the cam, if I can sneak it by the wife?? She is getting the grill guard she wants for her blazer for her birthday, so she'll be happy.(I know, she has a blazer, when it breaks it gives me a something to pull by my friends houses with my ford)
Chuck

 

I am building a similar '77 460; interested in torque more than horsepower. The guy helping me recommended a Crane cam over the Comp. Cams 268 because of its split duration (longer exhaust duration vs. intake) that helps overcome the poor exhaust port. I'm going with the next hotter Dynomax cam, the H-266-2; but my engine is going in a car not a truck and I'll be pulling a camping trailer infrequently. The only things I would add to your list are an Edelbrock Performer intake, an ARP oil pump shaft, the matching Crane #35308-1 valve spring kit and larger 3/8" pushrods. Except for the intake, these are items more for "peace of mind" than producing power. For future reference if you ever need work done on the C6, I'd consider installing a TCI 2.72:1 planetary gear to give you a lower overall first gear ratio without having to go to a lower ratio ring and pinion.

 

I did it again! That's a POWERMAX cam....not Dynomax.

 

On an otherwise stock engine with stock exhaust manifolds, I don't think just a cam change on a 385 will result in much of a benefit without going to a set of full tube headers. Headers would provide more torque/hp increase than a mild cam by itself.

Changing your cam with the engine in is no small job as it involves pulling the intake manifold, the valve train rocker assembly and everthing on the front of the engine. I've done it several times in my Bronco and that requires pulling those engine parts and the radiator, A/C condensor and grill assembly just to get the cam in/out without destroying cam bearings.

I'm not trying to discourage anyone, just suggesting that if you're going to all the work and expense of upgrading your cam, do the exhaust to realize maximum potential and get the most out of your investment. Genuine performance increases are better achieved with a combination of improvements rather than just changing one component.

Most of you sound like you're seeking increases in towing ability, so you might want to consider that the stock manifold flow tests on a par with any dual-plane aftermarket manifold up to about 3000rpm. The Edelbrock Performer, not the RPM, looks a lot better on your engine, but offers no significant gain over the stocker for towing purposes.

 

Sound advice. I just wish they made headers that didn't rust out or burn thru within 18-24 months, didn't warp flanges so the gaskets would stay sealed or would fit without having to "massage" the primary tubes with golf ball-sized dents. What about a set of the old 429CJ or SCJ manifolds?

 

i know they are pricey but L&L makes the best set of headersi have ever seen, but they are about 400 bucks...i am going to save for them, check them out if you are interested in getting a set of quality headers.

1977 F250 460
C6 Hedman Headers
Dual 40 series
edelbrock performer
holley 4160
msd 6a and blaster coil

 

Go with L&L headers. You won't have any of those problems. All 385 factory exhaust manifolds are very restrictive, same as the exhaust ports, as the engine incorporated design limitations to fit between shock towers on Mustangs and mid-sized cars.

 

The CompCams 268H made a world of difference in my 77 460. I would recommend changing the valve springs unless they are new, with ant cam that you install. They take alot of abuse and do get weak over time, and while you are replacing the springs, you may as well go ahead and replace the valve seals, since you can easily access them with the springs off. I used the CompCams 268h,CompCams lifters and matching valve springs and an Edelbrock double roller timing chain set. Along with my Dynomax headers, Edelbrock Performer intake and 750 carb, It runs very well and will pull about anything, even with the lousy 3.00 gear that I have in it right now with 32" tall tires.
CompCams is the choice of most of the good NASCAR teams, and that's good enough for me.

 

Thanks for all the input!! I am going onr step at a time since this is a work truck/toy. I am doing headers and the timing chain first, and then I'll do the cam and lifters and spring/seals when I have more time that I don't need the truck for work. Maybe I can slip the MSD by my wife also??
Chuck