cam choices

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jun 30, 2002 | 06:54 AM

cobra_869

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Jun 2002

Posts: 3

Likes: 0

cam choices

Hi Everyone,

I am new to the board and have a question I would like to pose. I have a 78 f150 with a tired 351M. I am going to rebuild a new motor for the truck and I am going to go to a 400. I am going to use the stock heads(cheaper), eldebrock intake & carb. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on cam choice.

I have been doing a lot of reading on the boards and you guys have a lot of experience. I also have read the 351M articles here and on projectbronco.com. I have a lot more experience with 390s & 428s in muscle cars. This will be my first truck motor.

Any specific model of cam you would recomend? Thanks.

Jun 30, 2002 | 12:37 PM

thatdude

Senior User

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 191

Likes: 11

From: McPherson, Ks

cam choices

Without knowing gear ratio, intended usage or financial situation I can give limited help.

Summit has 2 cams for the 351-400,$75.95 with lifters and lube.

part # K5200- just above stock, OK for an upgrade, maintains good vacuum for pwr brakes ect.

part # K5201- need looser converter, power brakes MAY suffer a little. lower gears are a good idea. (3.50-3.89 around that range).
TCI has a good converter with 2000rpm stall for $175.95

If you have more of a budget, there are alot of cam makers that have more choices. better quality ect.

Hope that helps

Jun 30, 2002 | 03:03 PM

cobra_869

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Jun 2002

Posts: 3

Likes: 0

cam choices

Thanks for the reply. Budget situation isn't too bad. I don't use the truck a ton so I don't want to bury too much cash. Some longer hunting trips and pulling the boat to the lake. I get terrible gas mileage now so I figure I might as well get a little more power to go along with it.

Truck has 3.5 gears and a 4-speed (granny gear). I plan to go to 9:1 flat top pistons. I figure I can get away with a little more cr with a four speed.

I have had great luck with lunati in the 390s that I have worked on and may take a look at what they have to offer.

Jul 1, 2002 | 10:17 PM

GT40man

Elder User

Joined: Sep 2001

Posts: 887

Likes: 1

From: Jax FL

cam choices

check the websites of the cam makers

Jul 3, 2002 | 09:41 AM

beartracks

Lead Driver

Joined: Nov 2000

Posts: 6,640

Likes: 349

From: Albuquerque

cam choices

I would suggest building in a little more compression and then calling the cam makers tech line and giving them your engine specs. Maybe a compcams 278 at 9 to 1 or better.

Bear Tracks