How big of a camshaft can I really run with my Trick Flow Twisted Wedge heads on my stock shortblock?
It is more of a matter of duration and not lift numbers that matter in this situation. When the valve is open, the piston is on it's way down so lift numbers aren't the problem. The duration is the length of time that the valve stays open and is where you more than likely may get into trouble. In theory, you could run a .700" lift cam and not have piston to valve problems if is has a short duration. Also, you could use a cam with only .400" lift and if the duration holds the valve open too long into the stroke you would have contact. In our experience, we have used the Trick Flow Stage 2 camshaft with numbers at .544"/.563" lift and 224/232 duration @ .050" and have no clearance problems at all on a stock shortblock. Piston to valve clearance should always be checked during assembly, but just try to not to get "hung up" with lift numbers only......there is more to it than that.