Technical Chrysler Firepower 354 Hemi Camshaft

Hello all,
My father and I are building a cl***ic 1947 dodge pickup for my daily driver. We have several parts Hemis (two 354's, and two 331's) and plenty of stock parts, to rebuild it. We have done our research and understand that in order to get the most out of an engine we need to build it around our camshaft. The transmission is a 1956 Three Speed Torqueflite, and I am looking to build up one of my '56 354's. I want to keep it as stock as humanly possible, and am looking for a ten to 1 compression ratio. It is my going to be my daily driver, and I don't want to do any crazy racing or anything in it. But I do want it to be able to drive safely at highway speeds, while running as efficient as possible. What camshaft would anyone suggest for this type of build?

Thanks,
Oliver

 

I would use one with around .450 lift and not a lot of overlap to keep the vacuum up for power brakes...Something around a 280 to 290 duration and LSA 110 or greater...

 

A "daily driver" pickup truck? I'd stick with a stock cam if you have a good one.

 

Welcome to the HAMB, Oliver. Based on your requirements, if you have a stock cam in good condition and budget is a factor, just use it.

Otherwise, I'd echo @hemihotrod66 's advice, something with a little bit more ooompf than stock. ~0.45 lift, 210-215 degrees at .050 and LSA around 112 degrees. That would give you an RPM range of ~1000-5000 RPM.

Here's a chart that might help, although it's more for racing/high-performance than what you want.

 

With 10:1 c/r (not exactly stock...) the engine can use more cam than the oem 9:1 but what level of 'lumpity' will you tolerate?
My suggestion: 0.460" lift; 205-215 degrees duration at 050; 112 LSA; max 10 degrees overlap. Easy driver!
Check with your chosen regrinder and ask what he actually has to offer.

 

I’m with Gary,,,( 73RR ),,,with 10 to 1,,,,the cam suggestion he made is very good .

You can also send one of your stock cams and have it reground.
I have sent several to Schneider's in California,,,,,,they do an excellent job for a very fair price .
Cheaper than a new cam ,,,,and it will fit right back in the same block it came from,,,lol .
If you want to try them,,,just call or email Jerry or Kevin,,,,and tell them what you plan to do with it .
I’m certain they can help,,and the specs will be fairly close to what 73RR said .

Tommy

 

Thank you all for the quick response, I will be sure to reach out. Soon enough hopefully I'll get the engine running, and I'll be sure to post some of the progress.

Oliver

 

Isky, talk to Ron I.