SBC Cam Suggestions, Please

Ok class, I need cam suggestions. I currently run a Comp 270/480 hyd in the 327 in the deuce 3W, which with a gear drive is suitably rude. I'm thinking I may unload the 3W sometime soon and build up a deuce roadster so I'm pulling together parts. It'll have a Currie 9"(3.00 to 3.20), trans is a muncie M20, the engine is a 307(late, small journal 283 with a 327 crank/rods), 896 powerpac heads(58cc,1.72/1.5), CI intake with 4GC, stock dist with electric guts, double-roller timing(no more of that geardrive crap), 1.5 roller tip rockers and 2.5 or 3" rams horns. The question is I pretty well understand levels of cam for 327s and up, but not smaller displacements. I want a hyd cam for this small engine not quite as wild as the 270/480 is in the 327 and taking advantage of all this lowend torque in a light car. Keep in mind its a small stroker and the CR will end up about 10:1. Thanks

 

Use a 350cid/300hp replacement cam...we put one in a friend's rebuilt 283 years ago and it just hauled ass! LOTS of power for such a small motor all the way through the powerband.

For what you're building, you will NOT be dissappointed!

Smooth idle, but more torque and horsepower than stock by a noticable margin!

 

Since you aleady have experience with Comp Cams how about a 268H grind? I've used them in just about every displacement SBC there is with good results. Nice sounding idle, great mid-range power, decent gas milage. Its one of the most flexable cams that they grind.

Frank

 

Call several cam manufacturers' hotlines for their recommendations. Take the average lift, duration & LSA recommendations, then buy the cam closest to that average.

Attached is a table of recommended duration, as a function of expected RPM range. It's specifically for the 350, but if you go with something milder, it'll put you in the ballpark.

 

Thanks class. I'd love to be able to go down to my local chevy parts counter at Clipinger(you know, where all the burned out Humvees are) and score a genuwine GM cam but I'm thinking $$$. CompCams would be good as I could get the whole kit with lifters and suitable springs. From that chart I'd say a 210-215'@50 would be good, but what about lift? And what about a split dur? Any feelings?

 

comp cams makes a 'musclecar cam' thats supposed to be like the 350hp327 cam, but a little better. i would try that cam. you selling the gear drive?

 

I'm with fab32. I used a 280H on recommendation from a friend and was really happy with the results. It has good torque, but I can feel it pull as it winds up, too.

 

I used the Crane equivelent for the 350 hp cam in an old 72 nova with 307. Used an HEI with a Q-jet on an iron manifold for a nice streeter with a 4 speed.

 

This a new engine to go in a future car so no geardrive.
The Comp 280H is what have(I was confused...280/470 is what I meant to say). In the 327 it goes fine, in fact Ive never wound it out to its full potential what with the early Ford glasslike-driveline and me being a sissy. But I've always thought that the smaller the displacement, the more exaggerated your cam will be. I'd like one that would maximize all this low-end potential in the 1000-4500 range, allowing with a 3.05-3.20 rear to cruise at 80mph/2400rpm and still stomp away from a stopsign cuz its so lightweight, so I think a 210-220(260-270) would work but what about lift? Should it be relatively big? Do we think there may be valve clearance probs with the longer throw? Split-duration?...???...Why are there so many ANTS???