Trying to pick a good cam to match the engine I'm building.

A recap: Long-rod 225, shooting for 8.75-9:1 compression, Super Six/Dutra Duals, 2600 stall Edge convertor. The car will be a daily-driver (50/50 hwy/city), and I'm trying to balance power and fuel economy as much as possible, and get as close to 225 hp as I can without killing torque.

In the next year, plans include a ported head with 1.70"/1.44" valves, the T-5 swap, and an 8 3/4 rear with 3.73's.

Beyond that, I'm looking at possibly going with a turbo or supercharger with MPFI in the next 5 years.

Needless to say, the current short block won't be at it's full potential without the headwork, but I want to build a solid foundation for all of my future plans (whether they happen or not).

Should I consider a custom grind that will better take advantage of the new rod ratio, or will an off-the-shelf cam work just as well? The cams I'm looking at are the Comp Cams 264S (264/264, .440/.440), Erson (270/270, .465/.465), or Isky (264/264, .448/.448). Maybe the old MP grind that Doug's cam grinder repro's, but it seems a little milder that what I'm looking for. Are the Clifford cams any good?

Thanks in advance!

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vm

And while the pros are commenting, another question on the same lines. What should one pay for an off the shelf high performance cam with lifters? How much more is a custom grind?

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67Cuda,FAST EZEFI,340cu,CR=10.25,RollerCam&Rocker (XR268HR,#20-810-9)(#1622-16)(EddyRPM#60779,#7576), (MSD6AL,#6425) A904, GearVendorsOD, 8 1/4,3.55:1, ClassicAir

AFIAK, no one really knows what optimal mild/medium cam specs are for a regular 225. It would be some guesswork to try to compensate for the rod ratio change.

The Erson 270 cam should be a bit more docile than the Isky, but both would work very well in that combo. I think the Isky would make more power and be a better match for your setup. Comp is close, but a little less than the Isky also. I've been meaning to try that Erson for a while on a basically stock motor with good exhaust (DDs), 8:1, stock converter, and EFI.

I have a Crane cam very similar to the Isky, but slightly more lift, that has gotten me close to 225HP. Seymour Pederson has made about that HP with a smallish Racer Brown cam (call them up) in his white '62 Valiant - 14.60s best IIRC. Cam, custom or not, should run you about $120-180 and lifters ??? - anywhere from $30 to $90/set.

Isky is available here:
http://www.flatlanderracing.com/iskycamsvaliant.html

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

I've heard about Racer Brown a lot at an old forum I used to visit, but it was always in reference to V8 cams. Thanks, Lou — do you have a contact number?

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vm

I have there Email but cant seem to find there number.


racerbrown@4secondsflat.com


These guys do know what they are doing & if a custom grind is what you want they would know how to set it up for a long rod motor to take full advantage of them, I guess other cam companies can do the same but I have always like the RacerBrown cams myself.

I have the comp 264s , big valves, 9.25CR, 5 speed , 3.23 combo. The cam is a disappointment (well not really a big one...it was free). I would go for the Isky or Erson......at least.

Your compression ratio seems a tad low for that hp target.......

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Yeah....Im the one who destroyed this rare, vintage automobile.....

I spoke to Racer Brown, two days ago. For what it is worth, if anyone is interested, they still have a couple of Slant Six roller cams. I was told about $200 ea.

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Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 170 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170
64 Valiant 4dr 225

That roller cam. Is that $200 price just for the stick or does that include the roller lifters too?

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67Cuda,FAST EZEFI,340cu,CR=10.25,RollerCam&Rocker (XR268HR,#20-810-9)(#1622-16)(EddyRPM#60779,#7576), (MSD6AL,#6425) A904, GearVendorsOD, 8 1/4,3.55:1, ClassicAir

Yeah Sandy, it may well be. But like I said, I'm trying to leave room for 6-8 lbs of boost someday...

Thanks for the insight!

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vm

Aside from the roller lifters, any special prep need to run one? I'm guessing the specs would be a little extreme fro a daily driver, but I'm all ears...

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vm

Charlie,
Did you get any specs on the Racer roller cams?
Dur, Lift, LSA?
Are they the old narrow lobe cams that use the Racer lifters without tie bars (the lifter body was extended at the bottom, it straddled the lobe sides to guide the wheel)? If not, I have a new set of Comp 829 (RB.Hemi) lifters!
Do they have the oil pump drive gear?

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Slant Cecil

I have no idea, what the deal is on the roller cams. I called to get the specs on a NOS RB ST-21 cam, I just bought, and the tech I was talking with, asked if I would be interested. I do know that is just the cam, nothing else, and that would put it over my budget.

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Charrlie_S
65 Valiant 100 2dr post 170 turbo
66 Valiant Signet 170 nitrous
64 Valiant Signet
64 Valiant 4dr 170
64 Valiant 4dr 225

I would be intrested in the roller cam specs too as I was intrested in goint to a roller cam.


Greg

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http://www.youtube.com/hyperpack

what is all involved in a roller cam swap? don't you have to use a bronze dist. gear? what about the oil pump? i wouldn't want to put a bronze gear on that!

i have the comp 252s cam and i like it. a little bigger than stock and sounds really good with the clifford headers, 2.5" exhaust and flowmaster muffler. a lot of people think i have a V8. Surprise, Surprise! my car was getting just about 17 mpg city when i had to park it for more economical transportation. that was with the holley 390 4-bbl, a A-833OD, and 3.21 gears. ran really good on the freeway. really wanted to run.

stupid economy, make me drive a tercel, will ya? i'll get you for this!!!! i will have my revenge!!! hahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!

zedpapa

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1970 dodge dart w/225 /6 bored .040" over, holley 390cfm w/vac. sec., compcams 252s, clifford shorty headers w/2.5" exhaust w/flowmaster, f-body 11" front discs, aluminum A-833OD, 8 1/4 w/3.21 SG
soon to have 5 gears!!!

Howdy,
I'm running the VA-160 cam.
I still need a new torque converter as I am running the stock 11" monster in the 727. I also need new linkages and a better carb!
LOLOL - not much eh?
Anyway, I do notice this thing has a ton of mid-range power.
If I could just afford all the other stuff I think it would really come to life and get me into the lower ET range.
Later,
Dan

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"I may be slow, but at least I'm not very fast!"
'69 A108 - 225, 727, 3.55, MSD6AL, a.k.a.-the brick