What cam do I have

Topic: What cam do I have (Read 2676 times) previous topic - next topic

What cam do I have

April 11, 2007, 02:01:30 PM

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.

What cam do I have

Reply #1 – April 11, 2007, 02:27:16 PM

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.

What cam do I have

Reply #2 – April 11, 2007, 02:31:06 PM

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

What cam do I have

Reply #3 – April 11, 2007, 02:51:12 PM

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?

What cam do I have

Reply #4 – April 11, 2007, 05:42:50 PM

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.

What cam do I have

Reply #5 – April 11, 2007, 05:58:30 PM

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.

What cam do I have

Reply #6 – April 11, 2007, 09:38:25 PM

The cam between the '83 and '84 should be almost identical if not the same. Sucky.

What cam do I have

Reply #7 – April 11, 2007, 09:42:00 PM

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.

What cam do I have

Reply #8 – April 11, 2007, 09:45:45 PM

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.

What cam do I have

Reply #9 – April 11, 2007, 09:52:38 PM

I'm going with the majority here. New cam, new lifters. Any sugestions?

What cam do I have

Reply #10 – April 11, 2007, 09:55:10 PM

a nice luinati! very nice lope with them!

What cam do I have

Reply #11 – April 12, 2007, 09:16:47 AM

What's the rest of your combo gonna be?

What cam do I have

Reply #12 – April 12, 2007, 11:25:30 AM

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.

What cam do I have

Reply #13 – April 12, 2007, 04:11:24 PM

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.

What cam do I have

Reply #14 – April 13, 2007, 02:17:45 PM

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?