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Selecting a Big block Cam.Help!!

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Old Mar 6, 2013 | 08:24 AM
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Default Selecting a Big block Cam.Help!!
I have had a ZZ454 in storage for a while and want to put it in my 77 all I know is it is stock with forged crank,Rods and pistons and Cast iron Rec port heads and stock roller lifters, will stick with the turbo 350 for now but will soon enough install a 4l60E, I would maybe like to install gear drive, Airgap intake and a edelbrock carb. I would like a good lope but want to be able to drive it everyday. Any advise would be great. Thanks!!
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Old Mar 6, 2013 | 09:32 AM
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ZZ454 will have aluminum rovals on it. A 454HO will have the iron square ports on it. Either way I think I would drive it for awhile and enjoy it. When you feel the need for more umph, I would tear into it.
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Old Mar 6, 2013 | 09:56 AM
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Need more info to make an informed recommendation but I agree with Cstraub69. Get it together and driving. Drive it for a while and decide what you want out of it. To make a cam choice you need actual compression ratio, rear gearing, trans, convertor, intended use and driving style. Without providing this info anyone giving you advice may as well be throwing darts.
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Old Mar 6, 2013 | 10:57 AM
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Looking at the dyno chart, that motor will make power up to about 5700-5800 RPMs. If you don't plan on running it any harder than that, you're probably fine leaving it as is. However, if you want more RPMs and a bunch more power, post the info Mako mentioned. Knowing realistically what you want out of the motor and how you'll use it is really important in choosing a cam.
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Old Mar 6, 2013 | 12:29 PM
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I have a ZZ502 and I believe it uses the same cam as the ZZ454. My 502 runs out of steam around 5400 and is definitely under cammed.
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Old Mar 6, 2013 | 12:38 PM
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Originally Posted by bashcraft
I have a ZZ502 and I believe it uses the same cam as the ZZ454. My 502 runs out of steam around 5400 and is definitely under cammed.
The ZZ heads respond to port work quite well and they can be picked up an average of 30 cfm in the .300 to .600 range. The potential out of the head at say around 6300 rpm is around 650HP. NOw that said you will spend about 1000 to $1200 to get them to that point.

Bolt on a set of AFR 305's, pump gas 8.75 to 1 compression and a cam that is 232/236 .050" on a 109 and she will make 594HP at 5800 rpm with a 950 and an air gap. Bolt a Vic jr on there and she makes 30HP more and peak is moved up 200 rpm with a loss of 10#/ft.
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Old Mar 6, 2013 | 01:09 PM
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Originally Posted by Cstraub69
The ZZ heads respond to port work quite well and they can be picked up an average of 30 cfm in the .300 to .600 range. The potential out of the head at say around 6300 rpm is around 650HP. NOw that said you will spend about 1000 to $1200 to get them to that point.
I should have stated that I have the GM aluminum rectangular port heads which bumped my compression up to about 10.25.
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Old Mar 7, 2013 | 08:58 AM
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Its tore down now and has no cam, It is a stock 454HO the cam that came in it was 510/540 with 211/230 duration, I want to go up a little more on the cam, I will keep everything else the same.
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Old Mar 7, 2013 | 09:10 AM
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Originally Posted by T-Boy 67
Its tore down now and has no cam, It is a stock 454HO the cam that came in it was 510/540 with 211/230 duration, I want to go up a little more on the cam, I will keep everything else the same.
Are you going to convert the heads to stud mount rockers or keep the bolt down style?
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Old Mar 7, 2013 | 09:24 AM
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Stud mount!!
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Old Mar 7, 2013 | 09:30 AM
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Replacing the lifter or putting new in? OEM cams are designed for a .700" wheel along with mild performance cams. Most HP cams are designed for a .750" wheel.
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Old Mar 7, 2013 | 09:32 AM
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what I have are the org stock roller lifter W/spider cage.
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Old Mar 7, 2013 | 09:33 AM
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They are new.
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Old Mar 7, 2013 | 09:45 AM
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The GM cams are all designed for .700".

What i put with those heads usually is the Clay Smith 160-3161
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