Can anyone give me advice on what cam I should run? the stage 1-499/510 that came with my H/C/I kit or upgrade to the stage 2-542/563? Also if I do upgrade will I have to upgrade the valve springs and pushrods, and do any piston notching? my setup is listed in my sig and all parts are new.
The top end kit that you bought was designed for the stage 1 cam or they wouldn't have packaged it in the kit. I would probably stick with it or go with a custom grind cam. If you upgrade, you will want to upgrade the springs as well since the lift is over 550.
I will probably stick with the stage one cam because it makes sence that it came with the kit I just dont want it to rob alot of hp from my 331. thank alot for the info.
It is not always the lift of the cam that matters. The duration has to do alot with how the cam will perform. I think the stage 1 will have a better low end torque than the stage 2. The powerband may be stretched out a little higher with the stage 2 though. I'm waiting for someone with either one of these cams to step in and provide some experience.
Upgrade those springs, and jump up to the stage two cam. The stage one is designed for a stock displacement/stock piston. Don't worry about the loss of torque. The 30 extra cubes you have will make up for it.