Im going to start building a 400 for my truck, and Im trying to plan ahead for parts. What cam do you use and what results have you gotten? I plan to up the compression some over stock, and installing the Edelbrock intake and carb currently on the 351. The truck is a short bed 4x4 that I use for towing (5-8000lbs). Any testimonials on your builups and performance/ mileage realizations is appreciated. Thanks.

Nathan

 

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 13-Oct-00 AT 01:42 PM (EST)[/font][p]Nathan,
I've seen good results with the CompCams 265DEH (265/275, 211/223 @ 0.050", 0.484/0.510 lift, 110 lobe sep). If you get compression up to at least 9.0:1 and provide adequate breathing (intake, carb, and headers), it will give a 30-40% improvement in torque at the stock torque peak rpm (2200 or so), and even more torque up higher (up to almost 4K rpm), so you'd have a lot more "head room."

I have seen a 400 with this cam dyno 373 ft/lb torque at 2200 rpm. Torque peak was 485 at 3980 rpm. It pulls down an average 10-11 mpg with a C6 automatic in a 1979 F350 4x4, when the driver can keep his right foot under control.

Personally, I think this is a middle-of-the-road cam for the 400. More than OEM spec, but not too radical.

If you want even more, I think you could go up to 215-225 degrees intake duration and 220-230 degrees exhaust duration (@ 0.050" lift) with minimum lobe separation of 110 degrees. I like lifts at the valve of at least 0.490" and up to 0.560".

If you want to trade off power at higher rpms for more low-end torque, you should look at cams with shorter lobe duration (200-210 degrees) and higher lift (over 0.520").

BubbaF250

1980 F250 4x4 Custom, 351M/NP435/NP208/D44HD-TTB/D60-FF/3.55s 6750 GVW, Rust & White.

 

Thanks, thats just the kind of answer Im looking for. The truck pulls trailers, so good torque throughout the operating range is what Im needing. That cam sounds about right. Thanks again!

Nathan

 

If you are looking at Comp Cams, look at their Extreme series of cams. A little more money, but a little more torque also.

 

bb, have you used one of these Extreme cams in a 351M/400? Ive been leaning towards them, but first hand testimonials would be helpful.

Nathan

 

Check with their web sites check and see there might be more than you thought
www.crower.com/catalog.htm www.holley.com/HiOctn/ProdLine/Products/IEC/IECC/Ford4.html
www.compcams.com
www.cranecams.com/motorsports/motorsports.htm#Ford
hope this helps i decided to go with the lunati for mine


Curtis
77_F150_4x4 aka
"The BeAsT"

 

I had real good luck with a Crane HMV278. Lots of torque and good to 5grand with a dual plane/750carb. The 400 likes lots of initial timing and all the compression you can live with.

1977 Ford F-100
280,000 miles
Stock on the outside
modified/rebuilt everything

 

I realized that I made a mistake regarding Comp Cams Extreme Cams. Comp Cams does not make an Extreme Cam for most Ford products. They make one for the FE and one for 302 only. Those of us with 351m/400 are out of luck with Extreme Cams. Comp Cams said there is no plan to make one for the 400 either.

I ended up choosing the Comp Cams #32-207-3 with 211/223 @ .050 and .484/.510 lift, after talking with a Comp Cams rep. The engine won't be dropped in until midwinter, so I can't give you any feedback on it yet.