Cam choice

BenBaron · #1 (**permalink**) 07-28-2006, 07:31 AM

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Hi guys,

Im in need a little help on this one, as I havent a clue where to start.

Im building a 427w stroker(from a 351w)
Im gunna be putting on Ed Vic jrn heads (poss afr if I decide I can afford but worried about the CR), probably go for an Edl RPM manifold.
I'll be using a 4 speed toploader (dont know if CR or WR but rear end to suit good accelleration.
MSD Dizzy with 6AL ignition

Im after a nicely behaved beastie that doesnt need to rev to high for the best performance, was thinking limit to 6000 to keep it all together?

So I need a retro-fit Hydraulic roller cam (ie reduced base circle) but I dont have a clue where to go from here. Comp cams do a range but I dont know what rev range to aim for or anything,
so fire away with comments please

Cheers

Ben

69 Mach I · #2 (**permalink**) 08-08-2006, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenBaron

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi guys,

Im in need a little help on this one, as I havent a clue where to start.

Im building a 427w stroker(from a 351w)
Im gunna be putting on Ed Vic jrn heads (poss afr if I decide I can afford but worried about the CR),

So I need a retro-fit Hydraulic roller cam (ie reduced base circle) but I dont have a clue where to go from here. Comp cams do a range but I dont know what rev range to aim for or anything,
so fire away with comments please

Cheers

Ben

Ben:

you want to get your heads flowed before settling on a cam. Get your flow numbers and then call one of the cam companies to see what the best cam is for you. If you are set on those edelbrocks, I would suggest ported Vic Jrs. as the flow numbers out of the box aren't that great and are prolly overstated on Edelbrock's web site anyways. As cast, these heads flow to .600 of lift on intake before the flow levels off so you would want a cam that can take advantage of that amount of flow. I think a better head choice would be Trick Flow R. These are set up for a roller cam and as cast, actually outflow the Vic. Jrs. If you get the Vics, you will have to retrofit it with better springs to be able to use the roller cam.

Your cam choice will depend on where you want your power band to be. Some cars make peak HP at 7000 but are dogs until 3000 rpm. Other cars make power between 1500-5500 rpm and then die off. Race car guys like the high rpm power bands while street guys choose for the low end kick. What kind of guy are you?

BenBaron · #3 (**permalink**) 08-08-2006, 08:00 AM

Right didnt realise that Trick Flows were any good or not, Ive not heard or seen people mention that much. I will check them out.
I was under the impression that the springs that came with the vic heads did the job (says they are for that on the Edelbrock site.)mmmm

Im more a street guy, looking for peak power below 5500.

Im also a bit concerned about cam to rod clearance so could do with knowing that the setup I eventually choose will work (not keen on having to buy more than 1 cam....)

69 Mach I · #4 (**permalink**) 08-08-2006, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenBaron

Right didnt realise that Trick Flows were any good or not, Ive not heard or seen people mention that much. I will check them out.
I was under the impression that the springs that came with the vic heads did the job (says they are for that on the Edelbrock site.)mmmm

Im more a street guy, looking for peak power below 5500.

Im also a bit concerned about cam to rod clearance so could do with knowing that the setup I eventually choose will work (not keen on having to buy more than 1 cam....)

TFs are a great head. Every bit as good as the AFRs. I don't think any of the Edelbrock heads that are sold complete (valves, springs, studs) can handle a roller cam. The Vics can take the lift of a roller cam but not the roller.

bkozlow · #5 (**permalink**) 08-08-2006, 10:06 AM

Ben,

Look at the Comp Cams web sight. I would recommend you look at these two cams. 290HR---2500-6000RPM--230--230duration--.544 lift and XR276RF-HR--1800-5800RPM--224--230duration--.563 lift. These should work with what you want, based on street driving and a decent idle.

Bill K

jarendall · #6 (**permalink**) 08-08-2006, 11:57 AM

go to Jegs and check out the Ford racing cams, I am running the E303, it is recommended for the small block Ford with a roller cam

John-Tucson · #7 (**permalink**) 08-08-2006, 01:49 PM

Ben, the E303 cam is very good, a mild lope to the engine and power in the lower range. It's a nice street cam. John

mikiec · #8 (**permalink**) 08-08-2006, 02:45 PM

I'm using the Ford F cam. If I were to do it over again I would go with a cam designed for a carb not the ford EFI system.

Mike

Mark Brye · #9 (**permalink**) 08-08-2006, 08:19 PM

my FMS 392 has a XE282HR from comp cams from the factory. It sounds pretty good at idle. Not sure if its a good cam for power though. Still waiting on a good tune on my combo with new heads to find out.

Badger · #10 (**permalink**) 08-09-2006, 03:20 AM

What's the real purpose of the car's use? No use building a race engine for the street. If the car is for track work, go for broke. If it isn't (be honest) build the best damn road car you can build. That means you'll seldom run over 3000 rpm on the road (that's 100+ in my car) If the engine is cammed to come in at 4500 you'll seldom get to use it. Too much cam really destoys the driveability of a great GT car. This is the biggest mistake made by first time Cobra builders. Badger