Cam selection.

[69Rcode_Mach1]

Guys im getting ready to buy my cam and intake but i don't know which one to use. I will be getting a rpm airgap intake and afr 185's to go with the cam. I will later on being doing a 5-speed swap(big maybe), and also swapping out the 2.75's for 3.55's. What cams have you guys used and recommend. I want to be able to drive the car with the stock stall without having to waste money on a converter until i get the 5-speed. The guy at comp-cam recommended XR270RF-HR if i want to use stock stall, and XR288RF-HR but he said that won't be too streetable. I need something i can drive reliably and not worry about problems. I don't mind lopey idle i like it. Give me tips guys. Also will i need to get the lifters with it? I hear the hydraulic roller cams work best with the 1969 351W. Check sig for other informatioin.

 

[brianj5600]

Not what you want to hear, but you can't have your cake and eat it too. If you KNOW FOR A FACT about future mods, get one that will work for that set up. It won't be the "right cam" until all mods are in place, but you will still be able to have some fun. The converter won't be a big deal with street tires because it should be able to roast them from a stand still. I could not find the above cams on the comp site so....

 

[D.Hearne]

must be planning on emptying your bank account with AFR heads, RPM airgap intake, and a hydraulic roller cam. The 270 will do fine with either the stock heads or the AFR's. With the AFR's and a 750 carb, you'll be bumping 450 hp. That cam & lifter combo together with roller rockers,( don't forget to add the cost of new pushrods to this too) is gonna run you the better part of $1000. Add the cost of the AFR's, and the airgap, and a 750 carb, and you're looking at another $2500 on top of that. Probably cheaper to just buy a crate motor after ( or is it , if) you factor in the cost of rebuilding the short block.

 

[69Rcode_Mach1]

I know where your coming from brian im just looking for something streetable. The guy at compcams said the 288 would not be good for a daily driver. I want something that will be nice with a daily driver but give me power upto 6000 rpms or even 6500 if thats possible. also i want to get the 5 speed but if i don't i will get a stall converter. I just want to put in my power upgrades and still be able to drive the car until i do. i also want it to work with my power steering and brakes. i have heard good things about the magnum 270. I want a cam that will blow all those evo's and sti's out of the water. Help me out guys.........

 

[Max Power]

We are helping you out.

The Comp cams guy is right. You could call Crane as well and get their advice too.

Truth is, for the mods you plan on making, a radical cam that would work with your 5 speed or your planned stall converter won't work now.

You could try a 280 magnum which would split the difference. If you want anything much bigger than the 270 that was recomended, make the other mods first.

 

['69Stang]

I would not go with the 270RF-HR because it will be too mellow for when you want to get a bigger stall and gear. But, since this is going to be a daily driver you don’t want to get too radical either. Therefore, I’d say the 288RF-HR is out. That seems like a lot of cam for a daily driver. If you had a 4 speed, maybe. I think that leaves you with a little more than the 270 but a little less than the 288, or in other words the 274 or the 282. Both look great for your application with the 276 probably being a little more friendly for a regular driver. With the AFR 185’s , RPM intake, 650-750 carb and a decent gear your car will be very fast.
Recommendation – XR276RF-HR and a good set of brakes.

 

[69Rcode_Mach1]

Ronstang is gonna hook me up with the 280H. What do you guys think. He is looking into it for more info. I saw the power curve on the 284 and loved it so i know this may be a bit mellower but thats fine. Would i be okay with the h/c/i and stock stall or should i put in the 3.55's with this till i can afford the 5-speed? Also i think it should work with my ps and power discs, but wanna double check with you guys. You guys think the car will fly nicely with the 280H?

 

[D.Hearne]

The 280H will work and be a lot easier on your wallet in initial cash out-lay.

 

[69Rcode_Mach1]

Thanks D. Hearne thats what I figured. Im getting it with lifters and its been broken in but never driven so i feel its a way good deal.

 

[D.Hearne]

Make DAMN sure the lifters go back on the lobes they were run with before, otherwise your cam will be toast in no time. If in doubt, buy new lifters.

 

[69Rcode_Mach1]

K ill make sure to check that all out. Thanks. This is a bit nerve racking all these little things im worried screw me over. ive never done a cam before i have a lot of trouble just understanding the details.

 

[skywalker]

Make DAMN sure the lifters go back on the lobes they were run with before, otherwise your cam will be toast in no time. If in doubt, buy new lifters.

Buy them anyways. Lifters are not that expensive. Besides, the engine you save, may be your own.

 

[Ronstang]

Make DAMN sure the lifters go back on the lobes they were run with before, otherwise your cam will be toast in no time. If in doubt, buy new lifters.

No worries D. Hearne, they were pulled and each lifter marked with it's location on the cam for easy reinstallation. I always do that when I remove a camshaft and lifter set I am reusing, in fact I have several blocks that I machined holes into to keep the lifters in order while out....but these are actually marked on the recessed part of the lifter and indexed to each cylinder and which valve it actuates in that cylinder.

 

[new22003]

Get a hydraulic roller for the street for sure. Ive seen guys go pretty large and still be streetable.

But you want to keep the stock stall speed right? If all you do is street dont go too big either I had an auto Nova (I know chevy ) with a huge cam in it and in ran fine idled fairly well and didnt load up any but it had no bottom end. It didnt start cooking until 3000 rpm.

 

[D.Hearne]

No worries D. Hearne, they were pulled and each lifter marked with it's location on the cam for easy reinstallation. I always do that when I remove a camshaft and lifter set I am reusing, in fact I have several blocks that I machined holes into to keep the lifters in order while out....but these are actually marked on the recessed part of the lifter and indexed to each cylinder and which valve it actuates in that cylinder.

 

[D.Hearne]

Get a hydraulic roller for the street for sure. Ive seen guys go pretty large and still be streetable.

But you want to keep the stock stall speed right? If all you do is street dont go too big either I had an auto Nova (I know chevy ) with a huge cam in it and in ran fine idled fairly well and didnt load up any but it had no bottom end. It didnt start cooking until 3000 rpm.

Like I posted before, a hydraulic roller is nice, but when you're gonna put it in ot a non roller block, it WILL be expensive. Much more-so than in a non roller block.