New Member!!... Cam, etc... choice??

[d_animator]

Hello, I am a new member...huge cobra fan and shelby enthusiast. My uncle was on the Shelby pit crew team during LeMans '66, etc... and was a close friend of Ken Miles. His name is Charlie Agapiou..... Just thought I would share!!!

I thought this forum would be the best to post a question since you guys are extremely informative in the threads I have read. I don't own a cobra/shelby, but would love to someday.

The point....I have a '65 mustang with a 289 C code automatic..(4.00 bore x 2.87 stroke) I have recently started to refresh the engine and buy new parts. I have purchased a high flow water pump, GT40p heads (60cc. 1.84 int/1.46 exh), performer RPM intake, tri-y headers, edelbrock 4v 600cfm carb...I think that's it.
I was wondering...what type of cam should I go with? I am looking for an increase in torque and bhp but still be able to cruise the streets comfortably. Some threads recommended the Comp Cam 31-246-3. I have also heard the Comp Cam 270H or 280H would work as well.

My compression is stock..9:3.1...but I would also like to get new pistons/rods/rings, etc to help improve that if needed. Maybe a suggestion for those as well so it all matches. Also a new rearend would help, stock is 2.80:1...any gear size recommendations?? (I'm still learning too by the way!!)...

I know this is alot to ask, but some expert advice would be highly appreciated. (I did ask my uncle too, but he is too busy to help me out). If any of the parts I already bought seem to be a bad choice, let me know.... Thanks!!!!!

[chuckbrandt]

Hi Damon,
I don't have a specific cam recommendation for you, I think your best bet is to call comp cams tech line (which has a really good reputation) and ask them. They will want to know what RPM range and style of driving you are shooting for. I have built two smallblocks similar to what you are planning lately and kind of missed on the cam selection on both of them! I used the weiand Stealth intake instead of the RPM however, probably about the same. I read an article recently that showed the new RPM Air Gap as being probably the best intake available right now.

The first is a 302 that I used the same heads (GT-40P) as you on. I went with the ford motorsports B303 roller cam. Roller cams are pretty magic really, you might want to consider a retrofit one for your 289. This motor runs great and really winds up, but sometimes I wish it had a little smoother idle.

I also built a '67 289 recently with stock heads (stainless valves and a little exhaust port work), exhaust manifolds, and a crane 266H dual pattern cam. This motor has an automatic behind it and 3:00 gears in a heavy galaxie. In this case I wish I would have gone bigger on the cam. It could be the exhaust is corked up too. I put a AOD automatic in this car too if you are interested in any details of that.

Some other issues I would suggest you consider is that switching to GT-40P heads gave up about 5 cc of combustion chamber volume from stock. Is the 9.3:1 considering that? If you haven't yet, you should check the heads with your headers to make sure the modified spark plug angle isn't a problem with these heads. Mine wasn't an issue with the headers I used but I definitely could not have used the stock cast iron manifolds. Also you might want to consider a rear end gear in the 3.5:1 or higher range, 2.8:1 is pretty tall.

If I were building a '65 mustang I would keep an eye on the modifications done by Dallas Mustang for their Terlingua turnkey cars. http://www.terlinguaracingteam.com/

Take Care, Chuck

[d_animator]

Thanks Chuck for your information. I will definitely call comp cam and give them all my intentions and see where it goes.

I will look into the head and header situation... as I haven't started the project just yet. I do plan on changing the compression to suit the other components so it all works...the more info I get, the more I can change and switch things before I start.

Thank you again for taking the time to reply....any info is good info!

Regards,
Damon