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How much vacuum do you need??

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Old Sep 4, 2008 | 02:12 PM
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Default How much vacuum do you need??

Hey everyone!! Getting ready to drop my new 383 stroker in next week, but need help deciding on a CAM. I have a few in mind, but one important question I need answered. How much Vacuum do I need to ensure continued operation of the headlight and wiper systems on my 75 l48? Thanks!! I will post pictures of it when it gets assembled. Oh, and by the way, be careful when you hit your frame with a hammer, SOMETIMS it goes all the way through and reveals a rats nest :-)
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Old Sep 4, 2008 | 02:33 PM
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5" will operate the headlights providing the system has no leaks.Your 75 doesnt need vacuum for the wipers.
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Old Sep 4, 2008 | 02:37 PM
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thanks for the reply! I had an engine guy here in town saying you would probably need 20". Is he just smoking crack??
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Old Sep 4, 2008 | 02:38 PM
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what about brakes?
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Old Sep 4, 2008 | 02:42 PM
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20 " is a good value for a motor with min. cam or /orginal engine.
the bigger the cam, the less vacuum you can pull.
Radical cam 5-7"
I personaly think 5" is too low of vacuum to shoot for.
I would guess 12" vacuum would be closer to your target.
all this requires good plumbing and a 1 -way check valve also.
also the lower the vacuum, the slower your acc. will move.
69VETT
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Old Sep 4, 2008 | 03:08 PM
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I think about 10" Hg is as low as you can go and still guarantee the lights to work OK. Unless you are buying a very radical cam, you should be OK.
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Old Sep 4, 2008 | 03:12 PM
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Thanks for all the replies everyone!! I am looking at a CAM that will roll out about 14" vac.

Now, a little off topic, but what is the adverse effect of having the intake stay open longer during the compression stroke to reduce your dynamic compression ratio?
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Old Sep 4, 2008 | 03:45 PM
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My cam gives about 8 to 9 inches at idle. It operates the head lights and wiper door just fine. I do not have vacuum brakes. I run a solid lifter cam with 252/260 @ .050 duration.
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Old Sep 4, 2008 | 03:58 PM
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Thanks Gordon! This is good to know!
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Old Sep 4, 2008 | 04:45 PM
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9 inches vacuum here. headlights and wiper door operate fine.hyd roller cam
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Old Sep 4, 2008 | 09:47 PM
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Now, a little off topic, but what is the adverse effect of having the intake stay open longer during the compression stroke to reduce your dynamic compression ratio?
The intake stays open longer in a higher duration cam and does decrease dynamic comp ratio. Thats the reason you can and have to run more compression with a longer duration cam. It is not necessarily an adverse effect if it is accounted for. The adverse effect is if the comp. ratio is to low for the cam the engine will not make all the power it should. I think that answers your question.

Last edited by rham; Sep 4, 2008 at 09:52 PM. Reason: add more info
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Old Sep 5, 2008 | 12:10 AM
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Here are my cam specs and I get 8-9" at idle if I have the timing at 14-15* at idle.
RPM Range: 2500-7000 Advertised Duration: 290/300 Duration @ .050: 235/245 Lift: .490/.510 Lobe Center: 112c
Any lower timing and my vac dropped and the lights go up right first then left, but they still worked.
I also had to change all my lines so I have no leaks.
Wiper door on my 69 works great at this setup as well.
Vacumm goes up when you drive it so your brakes will be ok as well.
Unless you stall your engine going down a big hill, them it is good old leg muscles or do a Fred Flinstone.
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Old Sep 5, 2008 | 12:41 AM
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Thanks for all the responses guys!! This is plenty of info for me to work with. Definitly like the look of your big cam tristan!! This one wont be that big, but should be fun! :-)
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Old Sep 5, 2008 | 12:53 AM
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My 383 pulls 10 at idle and 6 in gear and thats at 8000 ft above sea level where I live. Everything works fine head light come right up. I also had to put a 4.5 power valve in the holley due to the low vac at idle in gear. If you have a manual trans you should be ok.
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Old Sep 5, 2008 | 06:43 PM
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I have 9" of vacuum with my solid roller cam, and brakes and headlights work fine.
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