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Cam Installation

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Old Jul 8, 2002 | 01:40 PM
  #1  
Mystery Machine's Avatar
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Default Cam Installation

Does anyone have any suggestions for a replacement cam? The person I bought my '73 from had installed a cam that was way too big for the 350 motor. Not sure of the exact specs on the one that is in there but I do know the duration is 292. Anyhoo, it won't even idle or run decent until I get over about 4000 RPM (not too good for around town) so I am putting a different one (smaller) in it but still want a good sound and some reasonable performance.
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Old Jul 8, 2002 | 01:52 PM
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Default Re: Cam Installation (Mystery Machine)

I went through this very same debate with my truck recently. I purchased a used '78 Chevy that had WAY too much cam in it for a daily driver and tow vehicle.

I selected the Crane Cams Power Max 260 split duration cam. part number 113901 (113902 with lifters)
it has a 260/272 advertised duration (204 / 216, I think) and .427 and 454 lift. -- the description reads (Brute low end torque for daily driving, towing. Smooth idle RMP range 1200 - 5500 (more like 4750 acording to desktop dyno0 8.0 - 9.5-1 compression ration.

You could also try the 262 or a 268 cam -- the 268 is about the max for a stock stall speed convertor, will give a lope to the idle and is made for higher RPM powerband.

I looked at about 10 different cams with desktop dyno. For my use as a daily driver, with some decent power, the 260 was the best match. Maybe for a Vette, the 262 would also be good.

What do you have for intake, carb, and exhaust ? That will help some too. And it may also be some of your drivability problems.

And yes, a 292 duration is WAY to big for street use. The cam in my truck was a 280 and it was annoying as hell.

Hope this helps.
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Old Jul 8, 2002 | 01:55 PM
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Default Re: Cam Installation (Mystery Machine)

I'm pretty happy with my 268h comp cams. http://www.bokonon.net/corvette/cam1.html
-terry
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Old Jul 8, 2002 | 02:15 PM
  #4  
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From: Exiled to Richmond, VA - Finally sold my house in Murfreesboro, TN ?? Corner of "Bumf*&k and 'You've got a purdy mouth'."
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Default Re: Cam Installation (terryrudy)

I'm pretty happy with my 268h comp cams. http://www.bokonon.net/corvette/cam1.html
-terry
Way :cool: cam installation page !! Thanks for the huge write up.
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Old Jul 8, 2002 | 02:39 PM
  #5  
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Default Re: Cam Installation (BSeery)

That write up is excellent! I truly envy guys like you that can do this stuff yourselves.

BSeery: I have an E-Brock intake and 600cfm carb (it had a 750 on it when I bought it, another overkill item I think). Exhaust...I have no idea, I have only had the car a month...I think everything is probably stock???

THANKS!

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Old Jul 8, 2002 | 02:55 PM
  #6  
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From: Exiled to Richmond, VA - Finally sold my house in Murfreesboro, TN ?? Corner of "Bumf*&k and 'You've got a purdy mouth'."
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Default Re: Cam Installation (Mystery Machine)

With a 600 CFM carb and stock exhaust, I would recommend the 260 or 262.

Edelbrock recommends their cam with the following specs:
204 / 214 duration
.420 / 442 lift
so, pretty close to that 260 I recommended above.
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Old Jul 8, 2002 | 08:59 PM
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Default Re: Cam Installation (Mystery Machine)

Welcome to the board! I have a similar setup. 350 L48 with the Ebrock Performer intake, Rochester Q-jet carb and recurved distributor(LARS). 2-1/2" exhaust to MagnaFlow mufflers (too loud inside the car) and no headers yet. TH400 and a 355 rear end. The cam is 204/214, lift 420/443, advanced duration 270/280. I'd prefer a bit more cam. It runs out of steam a bit early in the RPM range. I would also like to hear a noticable lope at idle and I don't with this cam.


[Modified by FERL 73, 7:09 PM 7/8/2002]
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Old Jul 8, 2002 | 09:09 PM
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Default Re: Cam Installation (FERL 73)

Thanks. I just bought the car about a month ago so I'm still learning about it. The guy I bought it from was trying to fit 20lbs into a 10lb bag I think so I got stuck with lots of "overkill" components. From what you all have said I think I'm looking for something like 260.
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Old Jul 9, 2002 | 09:44 AM
  #9  
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From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Default Re: Cam Installation (Mystery Machine)

For cam, what is needed is trans. & gears since you already gave C.I.
As FERL 73 alluded to, the Edel. Performer 2102 cam is not enough for a Corvette.

:cool:
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Old Jul 9, 2002 | 09:59 AM
  #10  
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From: Living in the Hartland
Default Re: Cam Installation (BSeery)

Edelbrock recommends their cam with the following specs:
204 / 214 duration
.420 / 442 lift
so, pretty close to that 260 I recommended above.
I bought a GM crate LM1 engine and put a Summit brand name came with those specs in it and it runs pretty damn good for the $1500 I spent on the combo. Not gonna win a drap race but it idles pretty nice, enough lobe to make the car shake just a touch and I can slow down to 800 rpm's in fourth gear and get going again no problem. I do have a 3.70 rear which helps.
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