cam questions...
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 388
Likes: 1
From: Northern Indiana
270 magnum cam by comp cams would be a nice one, it's as big as I would go with a stock torque converter if you have an auto, or with stock rockers & springs. The 270 has a nice lope in a 302.
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
what is the proformance pros and cons w/ that cam? what kind of hp gain will i see? and i was told something like if i change the lifters/rockers to a 1.7 it would make it like a mild cam ever heard of this?
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 347
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From: Skyway, WA
Modern 5.0s from the mid 80s on have lifters that have a wheel that rides the cam lobe allowing for steep cam lobe profiles that a traditional lifters couldn't handle. The lifter has to be braced in place so that the wheel is always perpendicular to the cam lobe rather than rotating around like an older lifter does. Old 302 blocks (as well as other V8 engines) can be retro-fitted. The ability to have these aggresive profiles that would still idle smoothly, is how Ford got more power out of a 302 for trucks in the 80s and into the mid 90s. I've seen Mustang and other hot-rod type magazines detail the conversion. Its a bit of money. However compare that with a bigger engine transplant.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 388
Likes: 1
From: Northern Indiana
the 270 will make a huge difference. your stock cam quits making any real power after 3,500 rpm or so, the 270 will pull hard close to 6,000 rpm.
I wouldn't bother with the higher ratio rockers, you would be binding stock coils if you use them with a bigger cam. the high ratio rockers (more lift) wont provide much benefit with a stock cam, you need more duration to make that thing breath. (Duration is the length of time the valve is open.)
I wouldn't bother with the higher ratio rockers, you would be binding stock coils if you use them with a bigger cam. the high ratio rockers (more lift) wont provide much benefit with a stock cam, you need more duration to make that thing breath. (Duration is the length of time the valve is open.)
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,313
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From: Northeast LA
So it's okay to install this cam with out changing from the stock springs?
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 388
Likes: 1
From: Northern Indiana
Yes, I have used the 270 in several motors with stock springs, rockers & pushrods. It's the biggest cam I would ever go with stock springs, rockers & torque converter.
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 26
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ok i just got off the phone w/ comp cam, they said the 270 mag is a good cam if i get it in a kit w/ hyd lifters, but the one they recomended is the 260A high energy kit it is not as mild of a cam but the 270 needs double springs which requires replacement of factory. about $270.00 more and they recomended that i change the rockers w/ a roller rocker and with the 260a i can keep the factory springs and everything. i have a 4 sppd and mechanical carb along w/ manual breakes so the vacuume loss is not that big of a deal for me. so all and all the 260A is a better deal and a little cheaper.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 388
Likes: 1
From: Northern Indiana
the 260 is a MORE mild cam than the 270. Believe what you want, you would be happier with the 260 than a stock cam for sure. You must have had an idiot on the phone if he told you roller rockers are needed. long slots maybe if your really worried about it, but rollers are a waste of money with a stock motor and a 270 cam. Stock springs have worked fine in my experience using this cam on many small block fords & chevy's. Real world & a suggestion from the manufacturer are very, very different most of the time since everything has to be idiot proofed now days to cover their asses. It will be an upgrade either way, just make sure to break it in right or you will be changing it again within 500 miles!!!!!
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 601
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I can't see replacing the cam, without going to a better flowing head. You will see very little improvement in performance. If you really want to wake up your 302, do the cam swap, along with a set of GT40 heads. They can be found on ebay, craigslist, or if your lucky, you can find a set in the junkyard. Look for V8 Explorers, the early ones came with GT40s, the late 90s ones came with GT40Ps. The P heads actually perform better, but require a special header/exhaust manifold. I put the GT40P heads on my Son's F150 with a 260 cam (.030 over 351W), and it's a torque monster. Unfortunately, my Son spends all his money on gas, and replacing the 35" rear tires on his truck.
