Cam Suggestions

[Broosedamoose]

I've read a lot of thread on here about this but can't find my specific answer. Lot of good information! I ordered a rebuilt short block (1978-2000) and it came with a 270/286 camshaft. They couldn't give me any details on who the manufacturer of the cam is or it's performance data, only that it's a "muscle" cam. I ran a search and all I can find is mostly Comp Cams Marine cams. So I think I want to replace it with one that will better suit the engine and my driving style. The short block came bored 30 over with flat top hyperutectic pistons and hardened rods. I have a set of aluminum GT40 heads that have been ported and polished with 1.7 roller rockers. The intake is a TricFlow Trac-Heat with a 1"spacer (needed to clear the injectors). Using a TricFlow 75mm throtlebody and the stock MAf sensor. My truck is 4wd but I rarely use it in those conditions. I used the Advanced Adapters set up so it's true 4wd and not AWD. I did the Explorer rear axle swap and used a Ford Performance TracLoc with 4:10 gears. My driving style is, get from this light to the next as fast as possible and get on the freeway at the speed limit (or just above). In other words, I like to go 0-60 as fast as possible. So my question is, do you think the 270/286 cam is ok or do I need something different, and what do you recommend? Thank you!

 

[19Walt93]

270/286 would be the advertised duration, the duration at .050" would be more meanigful. Is it a roller or a flat tappet cam? What RPM range are you expecting- and be honest with yourself- a bigger cam will sound impressive but it'll cost you bottom end torque. Torque is what gets you moving from the stop light. I suspect the current cam would work OK but it would be better to have the numbers ar .050. 302s were not the same from 78-2000, in about 82 they got a one piece rear main seal and the blocks got lighter, starting in 85 in Mustangs, the 302 got a roller cam. I don't remember what year but later blocks had head bolt holes that went into the water jacket and required thread sealer.

 

[Broosedamoose]

Unfortunately they couldn't give me any spec on the cam duration or anything other than a 270/286 "Muscle" camshaft. The block is a 1996-2001 according to the paperwork and has the 1 piece rear main seal and roller camshaft. I'm not concerned with it sounding impressive but rather it running impressive. Right now the truck starts and idles ok. I haven't taken it out on the road because there is still a lot of stuff to finish up i.e. wiring, throttle cable, interior, etc. It may run OK as you said but I want it to run RIGHT. Like I said, the truck won't be doing any serious off-roading or towing for that matter. 4WD is mostly for dirt roads and snow. Maybe I'd be ok just leaving it in there to see how it runs on the road. It's just not know the specs on it or if it's the right cam for my set up bugs me. I can't seem to find much for this engine anyway. I found this one at Summit that is close to .050" but I'm not sure if it will work.

 

[19Walt93]

That cam is a little bigger than I'd pick for low end power- it's 219 @ .050 on the intake. It's also a retro fit cam to drop into a flat tappet block so it's probably got a reduced base circle, you need one for a roller cam engine.
I tend to buy cams that others consider too small, my 13 second 302 Mustang has an Isky roller that's 210/218 @ .050 with a 112 lobe separation. It idles like a late 60's police cruiser, pulls strong from idle but really comes to life from about 1500 to 5500 or so.

 

[Broosedamoose]

I don't know enough about them to be able to competently chose one! That's why I am asking for help here. There is just way to much information I don't understand. Do you think the people at Summit or Jegs are knowledgable enough to recommend a decent cam for me?

 

[19Walt93]

They might, especially one of their tech guys. I've used Summit for decades but I haven't bought as much from Jegs. Comp and Howard's cams both have tech avisors that might be more knowledgeable. I can't beleive that the company who built the short block doesn't have all the cam specs.

 

[Broosedamoose]

I know, right? But their ratings have really dropped since I bought my block from them. It's only been about 6 years and they don't even have my information any more. Oh well, what are ya gonna do? I'll try giving Summit a call and explaining what I've got to them. Maybe they can help or at least point me in the right direction.