Cam swap???
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 135
Likes: 1
From: Kirbyville Texas
Cam swap???
I have a stock 79' L82, except for the true duels. I was wondering how much estimated gain would I get with a XE 274 swap... I plan on this after my interior is complete. Oh I have 3:55 gear....The car runs strong now, just looking for more UMMMPH!
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 42
From: Austin Texas
Standard or automatic?
I am going to be a buzz kill and say that is probably a little much cam.
But, for reference, my 350 with 9.4 compression gained 60 rwhp from just a comp xe268h. The xe274 is moving your power band the wrong way in my opinion.
With 3.55 gears and a 2800 converter, the xe268h (smaller) is amazing umph. 60 rwhp feels like a small nitrous shot... once I hit 3k. For that cam it might be 3500rpm I dont know.
I am going to be a buzz kill and say that is probably a little much cam.
But, for reference, my 350 with 9.4 compression gained 60 rwhp from just a comp xe268h. The xe274 is moving your power band the wrong way in my opinion.
With 3.55 gears and a 2800 converter, the xe268h (smaller) is amazing umph. 60 rwhp feels like a small nitrous shot... once I hit 3k. For that cam it might be 3500rpm I dont know.
Last edited by johnt365; Dec 21, 2012 at 10:32 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 135
Likes: 1
From: Kirbyville Texas
Standard or automatic?
I am going to be a buzz kill and say that is probably a little much cam.
But, for reference, my 350 with 9.4 compression gained 60 rwhp from just a comp xe268h. The xe274 is moving your power band the wrong way in my opinion.
With 3.55 gears and a 2800 converter, the xe268h (smaller) is amazing umph. 60 rwhp feels like a small nitrous shot... once I hit 3k. For that cam it might be 3500rpm I dont know.
I am going to be a buzz kill and say that is probably a little much cam.
But, for reference, my 350 with 9.4 compression gained 60 rwhp from just a comp xe268h. The xe274 is moving your power band the wrong way in my opinion.
With 3.55 gears and a 2800 converter, the xe268h (smaller) is amazing umph. 60 rwhp feels like a small nitrous shot... once I hit 3k. For that cam it might be 3500rpm I dont know.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 42
From: Austin Texas
I think smaller would be better in that case. The 262, 268 and 274 all make within 5- 10 hp of each other. The bigger issue to me , with your set up, would be where the power band kicks in. And, do you mind changing the converter too to get you in that range quicker.
If stock heads, are you going to change valve springs?
If stock heads, are you going to change valve springs?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 135
Likes: 1
From: Kirbyville Texas
I think smaller would be better in that case. The 262, 268 and 274 all make within 5- 10 hp of each other. The bigger issue to me , with your set up, would be where the power band kicks in. And, do you mind changing the converter too to get you in that range quicker.
If stock heads, are you going to change valve springs?
If stock heads, are you going to change valve springs?
Thanks for the info. and help. I've had the car a year now, and I'm learning a lot from this forum. I appreciate ya'lls comments.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 62
From: Kona Hawaii
Collecting parts for a roller cam swap.If your going thru all the trouble of a new cam change out ,may as well go roller.Give the ol L48 a little boost in performance...Will be starting the swap first week in January...Stay tuned...
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,963
Likes: 79
From: central FL, near the beach.
Get some new heads like the Dart SHP from jegs $883 pair.
L82 cam is not bad if $$$ is an issue.
Otherwise the xe262 is fine to 6000 shift. Frys the tires in my 72 355 w/3.08 TH400 stock stall.
XE274 will give it that race car feel, no power down low.
L82 cam is not bad if $$$ is an issue.
Otherwise the xe262 is fine to 6000 shift. Frys the tires in my 72 355 w/3.08 TH400 stock stall.
XE274 will give it that race car feel, no power down low.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
Scott
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Joined: May 2005
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From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Best answer. You want 50 HP, better bottom end and midrange heads are the answer. Your cam is actually a great choice. Heads make power. Cam duration determines where in the RPM range the power is. Those heads will give you 60 Peak HP and better power throughout the operating range of the cam.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 135
Likes: 1
From: Kirbyville Texas
Best answer. You want 50 HP, better bottom end and midrange heads are the answer. Your cam is actually a great choice. Heads make power. Cam duration determines where in the RPM range the power is. Those heads will give you 60 Peak HP and better power throughout the operating range of the cam.