400 Cam Selection
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400 Cam Selection
Hey all, I'm new to this site and new to Ford's in general. I am working with a buddy to restore a 1979 F-150 with a 400 in it. I have read great amounts about the 351M/400 motor and about a lot of its downfalls as well.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com
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I guess the best spot to start this post is to list what all we have done or have planed for the motor. So far we have shaved the heads down .022" to increase compression as well as bored the cylinders out .030". We have purchased a new 4bb intake as well as a 600cfm carb. We have ported and polished the heads as is standard with any motor. And have done a valve job on it. One of the last things we have left before we start assembly of the motor is to find a new cam for it.<o></o>
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I have read that the stock cam is lacking in the power department due to emissions restrictions in '79. I am far from an expert when it comes to choosing a cam as far as proper durations, lift, ect. We are looking to use the truck primarily as a show truck and interested more in low end torque than we are high end performance. I would like to hear your guys input as to what type of a cam I should be looking at (ie. duration, lift, ect.) Price is a consideration as we are both college students. But we can figure that out once we are sure of what we need. Thank you for any help, and this is a great site you have here.
fficeffice" /><o></o><o
></o>I guess the best spot to start this post is to list what all we have done or have planed for the motor. So far we have shaved the heads down .022" to increase compression as well as bored the cylinders out .030". We have purchased a new 4bb intake as well as a 600cfm carb. We have ported and polished the heads as is standard with any motor. And have done a valve job on it. One of the last things we have left before we start assembly of the motor is to find a new cam for it.<o
></o><o
></o>I have read that the stock cam is lacking in the power department due to emissions restrictions in '79. I am far from an expert when it comes to choosing a cam as far as proper durations, lift, ect. We are looking to use the truck primarily as a show truck and interested more in low end torque than we are high end performance. I would like to hear your guys input as to what type of a cam I should be looking at (ie. duration, lift, ect.) Price is a consideration as we are both college students. But we can figure that out once we are sure of what we need. Thank you for any help, and this is a great site you have here.
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Joined: Jan 2008
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Welcome to the site
Have a look here in the 335 engine series forum .
It's where 351C/351M/ and 400 are discussed in depth.
335 Series- 5.8/351M, 6.6/400, 351 Cleveland - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
There is also a performance forum
Have a look here in the 335 engine series forum .
It's where 351C/351M/ and 400 are discussed in depth.
335 Series- 5.8/351M, 6.6/400, 351 Cleveland - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
There is also a performance forum
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 754
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From: southwest Wisconsin
The major cam manufacturers (Crane, Comp, etc) have tech lines you can call to get advice about your specific application. The important number you need to pay attention to is duration @.050. For instance, Edelbrock's performer cam, a mild cam with good low end power has duration @ .050 of 204 intake and 214 exhaust. As those numbers go up the idle will get more lopey and the power band will move higher. Another thing to be aware of is the importance of new cam break-in. Many of the engine oils have been re-formulated to the detrement of the old flat tappet cammed engines. Modern overhead cam and roller cam engines don't need the additives nessesary for our older engines. A good read on this subject can be found at Flat Tappet Cam Tech - Righting the Wrongs.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,922
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What ever cam you get, check push rod length. You may need to shim the rocker stands or get a different length of push rod. After market cams usually have a different base circle than stock + machine work can effect push rod length.
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Thanks for all the quick replies. I've been doing a little more searching and the more I look the more confused I seem to get. I'm not looking to pour a lot of money into the project as of yet, so I'm just looking for a low budget cam. Does anyone know of a good solid cam that will work with what I have so far? I'm hoping to get a CR in the mid 8's with the work I've done to the motor so far, and was planing on using 92 octane in it. I've used the Edelbrock performer cams in a few chevy's in the past. But they were projects build more for the drag strip. Again thanks for the help so far.
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