Cam Selection
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,493
Likes: 346
From: SE Iowa
Cam Selection
I need help choosing the right cam for my 400M. My goal at least 400 lb/ft torque at around 2000 rpm. My build up so far includes 351C pistons making compression around 9.8/1. Heads are port matched on both sides, have Edelbrock Performer,625 Carter AFB,MSD, roller fulcrum rockers. The main use of the truck is for heavy towing, snow plowin, and the occasional off-road adventure. Not to mention I'd like to be able to rip a stump out whenever I feel the need to impress my friends!
Thanks
Stryder
Thanks
Stryder
New User
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Cam Selection
I recently built a 400 for my father-in-law and I used the CraneCams Energizer Cam. I purchased the 272 degree cam with .524 inches of lift. The cam performs around the 2000 rpm range. He is very, very pleased with performance and he has the stock two barrel manifold. You might also look into a CompCam. CompCams also makes excellent cams for the 351M/400.
TheFonz
TheFonz
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,127
Likes: 3
From: (near) Denver USA
Cam Selection
I think your goal of 400 lb/ft torque at 2K rpm is maybe unrealistic, unless you're ready to drop some serious coin on a lot more than the cam. I also think Bill's desktop dyno numbers are "optimistic."
I think a good cam profile to look for is something around 210 to 224 degrees @ 0.050" intake, 218 to 230 degrees @ 0.050" exhaust, and gross lift of 0.490" to 0.530". The bigger the numbers, the bigger the power potential. Bigger cam numbers also mean that intake and exhaust systems need more attention to take advantage of the cam's potential.
I have seen a 400 w/ using the CompCams 265DEH (211/223 @ 0.050", 0.484"/0.510" lift) dyno at about 370 lb/ft at 2K rpm, and that was w/ an Edelbrock 1400 series carb, Performer manifold, and Thorley Tri-Y headers.
I think a good cam profile to look for is something around 210 to 224 degrees @ 0.050" intake, 218 to 230 degrees @ 0.050" exhaust, and gross lift of 0.490" to 0.530". The bigger the numbers, the bigger the power potential. Bigger cam numbers also mean that intake and exhaust systems need more attention to take advantage of the cam's potential.
I have seen a 400 w/ using the CompCams 265DEH (211/223 @ 0.050", 0.484"/0.510" lift) dyno at about 370 lb/ft at 2K rpm, and that was w/ an Edelbrock 1400 series carb, Performer manifold, and Thorley Tri-Y headers.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
77truck460
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Mar 17, 2015 11:07 AM
Paso1
Big Block V8 - 385 Series (6.1/370, 7.0/429, 7.5/460)
7
Mar 9, 2015 12:22 PM
Hofeldt32
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Dec 25, 2014 06:12 PM
JeffLee
Y-Block V8 (239, 272, 292, 312, 317, 341, 368)
12
Jun 5, 2014 06:34 AM
