[blykins]

I'm designing a 445 Windsor, so I've went through some of the same scenarios that you're going through.

For 445ci (and using a hydraulic roller), you'll want a cam in the 248-250 range (duration at .050") to get your hp peak up to 6200 or so. To spin a hydraulic roller that high, you'll want some good valve springs (probably 150-155 seat pressure, 400-425 open pressure) to keep the valves from floating. Also, the lighter that you make the valvetrain, the better...i.e. using titanium retainers, etc.

That Crane 349521 cam would be way too mild for 445ci in my opinion unless you're wanting a truck motor. It would definitely be torquey, but I think the peak would be around 5200rpm. If you're wanting to pull yours a little higher, this probably wouldn't be a good choice.....However it would be an awesome daily driver cam.

Just remember, cubic inches calm camshafts down. Larger displacements offer larger volumes that the cam has to try and fill up. You have to hold the valves open longer to completely fill the cylinders.

KC uses a hydraulic roller in a lot of his FE engines that he builds....and uses a 252 degree duration at .050". I think that would be a good choice for a 445ci FE if you're wanting to pull it a little higher than 5800-6000 rpm. It will be a custom grind through Comp Cams as they don't offer any hydraulic roller FE cams through their catalog.

As for the heads, I would suggest contacting Barry Rabotnick at Survival Motorsports. They are testing some new Blue Thunder heads that flow really well and don't break the bank.