What makes a good cam???
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 1999
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What makes a good cam???
I have been looking for a cam for my 351 or soon a 400. My problem is that there are so many different combinations and lifts and durations and all the numbers kinda have me confused. My pickup is going to be used for daily driving, rarely pulling, racing my friends on the highway, and occasionally squealing treads at the stop sign. Can anyone help??
Fordman
Fordman
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What makes a good cam???
Just to share some info, I just put a Isky cam in my 302, it has a 0.496 in lift intake and exhaust,with 108 lobe seperation and 272 duration. It has a nice loppy idle, very good low end but I havent had the chance to open it up yet, because it isn't broken in yet. I use it for the same reasons you are going to use it for.. Well just thought I would let you know.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 349
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What makes a good cam???
The three biggest mistakes in trying to boost engine performance are --overcam, overcarb, overcompress. Big cams require a high idle and are a hassle with a no-hands trans, are hell on MPGs, and don't come in until 3,000 rpm. For your application consider a duration of not much more than 215 degrees @ .050 lift and a total valve lift of not more that about .480. You will have a good idle and improved low end performance up to about 3,000 rpm. Definitly do your homework and research lifters, valve springs, and possible problems in attaining the proper valve lash (i.e., adjustable rockers, push rod length, etc.) Go for it !!
New User
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 21
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What makes a good cam???
I have resently built a 400 with 600 cfm edlebrock carb,edlebrock performer intake, three angle valve job,(Comp Cam 268H magnum),cut heads down .015,headers. It has just the slightest hint of a lope at idle. I am running it in a 79 4x4 with 3.50 gears, and c6 auto. I am very happy with the combo. It will out run my 98 5.4 2wheel drive. Up till about 80. I havent taken it past that. I'm getting 11.5 mpg. I still need to richen my carb up a hair for more power. I'm running it a little lean right now. I have no problem smoking tires. Plenty of vacuum for all accessories. It pulls my 2500lb boat like a dream.
With some more fine tuning, I think I can squeze 1 more mpg and get more power. If this engine was in a lighter vehicle it would really get up an move. good luck.
Make sure you dont over cam, or over carb for a daily driver!!!
With some more fine tuning, I think I can squeze 1 more mpg and get more power. If this engine was in a lighter vehicle it would really get up an move. good luck.
Make sure you dont over cam, or over carb for a daily driver!!!
