Building a snorty 286 flathead ford and need some help selecting a cam for it. The heads on the mill are Offy 400, Offy dual intake, block relieved, intake and exhaust tracks will be cleaned up with a mild port job, will have modern 3 ring forged pistons and h-beam connecting rods. I see some cams with .400 lift, but can I run that high of lift with these heads? i.e., does the 400 on the head designate I can run up to a .400 lift cam or cannot without machining the heads? Had a 77B in this motor that worked well when it was a stock stroke .060 over motor. Currently looking at the 88 and the 400jr but not sure if the 400jr will fit or not. Suggestions? Thanks!
No, doesn't have to be an Isky, just liked that 77B I had last time. If there is a better cam for the combo I've got, I'd like to hear about it. Thanks.
Think you're going to get a lot of opinions here, but as I understand it you're leaving out some much needed information for an informed person to help you decide. The big one being what kind of car is this engine going in? (and nope, I'm not an informed person, but I have talked to a few. )
To answer your question: Yes, the .400 is supposed to mean it will take a .400" BUT Offy's quality is all over the map. The only way to be certain is to clay the heads with your cam, valve combo while it's in the block. Personally, don't get hung up on having .400" lift. There are a lot of great F.H. cams with less lift that .400". Not to be a wise guy, but flathead cam choices/preferences are wide and numerous. There are two guys that I would suggest you talk to: One is Pete1 (HAMB name). Pete has been working on and grinding flathead cams for 50 years. He knows his stuff. The other guy to talk to is Chris Nielson in UT. Neilson Cams 644 West 100 North P.O. Box 416 Farminington, UT 84025 (801) 451-7745 I also feel it is better to give the cam grinder your specs. and they suggest the grind vs. finding a grind to fit your motor. Does that make sense?
Thats exactly what I needed, thanks. I'll drop Chris a call and a PM over to Pete1 if he doesn't see this post. I'm sure they've both dealt with the 286 mills before and can offer some suggestions.
you'd be cutting it thin with 400 heads and 400 lift. better with 425 heads or less lift. i speak from experience. changing a bunch of bent valves ain't no fun!
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