stuck on cam selection.........

[maxine1970]

Having never build a Ford engine before, and never using a roller cam before, I don't know how to select the best cam for the 5.0 I am building. I have really only built flat tappet dodges before.
The motor is off having a shortblock rebuild. It will be getting eagle sir rods, KB .200 domed hypereutectic pistons that will come up to right at 10:1 with my GT40 (not P) heads. The heads will be getting some mild port work, some good springs, and a valve job and whatever milling it takes just to straighten them out, no more.
The car is an 86 GT convertible with 3.27 rear and a tremec TKO. It will be going carb with this engine, and I am planning on a performer RPM intake and a 600 holley carb. It is totally a street car that wont see more than one or two passes down the track in its life. I want a mean sound and tons of power off idle to at least 5000 rpm. Top end isnt extremely important, as I rarely take it over 5000.
My neighbor built a 10.25:1 5.0 with windsor JR heads and a Z303 cam for his buddy's 87 GT and they said it was really mean. I heard it and it sounded great and looked fast watching him but I never got a ride in it before it got away from him and ate a tree.
So, your ideas? Thanks!

Doug

 

[TT91]

For an easy selection, Ford motorsport makes a few nice cams, im sure youve heard of them before. the B, E, F, and X cam off the top of my head. I used a E cam for a while with my supercharged 306 combo, it made 475 rwhp. had a nice lope, but not too much. 499/ 499 lift.

 

[EMW150]

For that, I'd go with a Comp Cams #XE272. This cam would be perfect for what you're looking for. Peak is around 5700 but it's still making decent power at 6k and it's got some aggressive ramps that build cylinder pressure like crazy. I used to run this cam in my 331 when I first built it. The specs @.050 are 224 /232 .555/.565. Make sure you get the matching springs also.

 

[NKau]

People like to rip on the Ford alphabet cams when it comes to all out performance, but for what you want to do, I think the E or B cam would be a good fit.

 

[IndyBlk5.0]

i can give you some info on the b303 cam, it has a really mean idle, and makes the heads turn for sure. as for power, it makes decent until 3750-4000, but at 3750-4000 it is like having a light switch turn on, and the thing just takes off. I think the best characteristic about the cam is the idle, and just plain sounds mean. decent power maker, but it is not great, if you want a power maker, get a custom grind cam.. but if that isnt all you want is power, and you want some fun mixed in with it, go with the b IMO