Just a simple question, what cam do I have in mine. It's an 83 302, no HO. Also what would be a good flat tappet cam? I have a freind with a 69' 351 cam that he says will work, but I'm told that it's not worth using because of it's age. Also is the stock cam worth keeping? I'm assuming that it's a economy cam and will strangle any power I will be making with the new heads, intake, and exhaust.
I can't find a lot of info for the older non-HO cams, but the lift numbers do match those of the later SO cams used in SO roller blocks; .382 intake and .398 exhaust using 1.6 ratio (stock) rockers.
This place has a lot of info for you to use in the search for a new cam: http://www.smokemup.com/utils/cams.php
Also to use the search feature you do not have to log in.
Is that good for a head/intake/header swap? I already have the headers on it, and the new motor already has that cam in it. If I have to chage it I need to know before I put everything else on the motor
The cam is designed for more low and mid range power. A stock non-HO 302 from 1983 was rated at 130 HP. Peak power was made at either 3200 or 3400 RPM's (can't remember which). They don't have very much duration either. There are plenty of inexpensive flat tappet cams out their that would be well worth putting in. As far as the 351 cam, be aware your 302 cam has the old school firing order (1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8) and the 351 has the firing order that the HO's went to (1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8). It will work; whether or not it's worth it depends on what kind of shape it's in and the cam specs. Any way to get a part # or at least what application the 351 was used in?
I don't think I'd recommend a used cam if it isn't a roller unless it's absolutely MINT. If there's any wear on the lobes at all, stay away from it. Also, I'm pretty sure you're supposed to match the lifters with the cam, meaning you'll need the lifters out of that 351, and they'll have to be kept in the correct order (meaning each lifter will have to ride on the lobe it did originally when it was in the 351). Flat tappet cams and lifters wear together.
Well, the motor that I'm building is out of an 84? Cougar 5.0 shortblock. Not that Hi-po but enough for street. So what ever cam I have, it has.
The cam between the '83 and '84 should be almost identical if not the same. Sucky.
Due to word of mouth, I have a 69 302 cam sitting on teh floor in the car now. Is/would that be any better? It's still flat tappet and I will be getting new lifters.
I've told you, I wouldn't use a used cam even with light surface rust on it, but that's just me, if you really wanna take a chance at ruining a set of lifters its your call, but you can score a brand new cam for $50-$75.
I'm going with the majority here. New cam, new lifters. Any sugestions?
a nice luinati! very nice lope with them!
What's the rest of your combo gonna be?
So far, the plan is GT40 heads, Mac equal legnth headers, a 650 Holley Vac secondary, Mac Por chamber w/ 2.5" exhaust, then 83 Allumnium 4 barrel intake.
Personally, I'd pick something that makes peak power around 5200-5500 RPM for your setup. Id also make sure that i'd find the widest LSA I could while making peak at 5200-5500. Less overlap makes for better low end.
Keep in mind your transmission will not shift at that RPM in stock form.
Say I keep the AOD for a while. Will a cam like that work both with that and a C4? And what is a good powerband for these cars? Low end torque or high end power? Right now I really do prefer the torque. Would a truck cam ( non roller 5.0) be an idea for that then, since trucks keep it lower in the rev range?
May I suggest the comp cams grind # XE250H (part # 31-230-3). It's here (just scroll down a bit) http://www.compcams.com/technical/Catalogs/106-07/64-71_230.pdf
It's got very close specs to a stock HO cam and with your set up should give you some where between 260-300 hp. I'd also try a bit smaller carb something in the 570cfm range. You may not need a 650 with basically stock 5.0 parts and a cam.
300 ponies with heads, cam, intake & exhaust when that cam is essentially an HO profile? I honestly doubt it. You're talking about bolting on over 150 horses. I'd believe 260, but not 300 without some sort of power adder.
Actually with good heads, Tbody, intake and exhaust system, 300hp with a stock HO cam is no real feat... MM&FF got 245hp, out of a completely stock HO with just the dyno headers as the only mod...
There's no reason to get rid of the AOD. Especially if your gonna maintain this car as a street vehicle. You will need a different governor in the tailshaft along with a shift kit. I'd also recommend a higher stall convertor and a trans cooler.
That's pretty much what you have in there right now. Perhaps the duration is a little different, but the lift #'s are the same according to references I've seen. I can't see it being that much different.
That oughtta wake her up some without going nuts with the revs.....
Forgive me I stand corrected.
Box stock GT40's wont do it though. Maybe some aftermarket heads, but not a factory cast GT40.
They'd come close... With some exhaust bowl/port work, piece of cake...
Biggest issue is getting it tuned correctly... Most aftermarket backyard combos have another 20-30hp hiding...