Need help picking a cam
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 142
Likes: 7
From: Syracuse NY
this is is my 6th sbc I’ve been playing around with them for 10 years now I’m well aware how they work. I’ve had them completely apart and back together before. I’m just shortening what I’m saying to keep things on topic of just a cam selection
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
So youre aware you may float spring early? Those are old...spgins are cheap just do them check for coilbind.
Many yrs ago I was told I could run a 280 cam on the older springs....well it ran good up to 5k then felt like someone let off the gas never could figure it out (too young)
Buddies car with the indenticla motor pulled harder everwhere right up to 6500. It really does make a diference.
Even if the springs are within "lift" or clearnce ok if the new cam is opening or closing the valves quicker, holding them open longer..you get the idea
Many yrs ago I was told I could run a 280 cam on the older springs....well it ran good up to 5k then felt like someone let off the gas never could figure it out (too young)
Buddies car with the indenticla motor pulled harder everwhere right up to 6500. It really does make a diference.
Even if the springs are within "lift" or clearnce ok if the new cam is opening or closing the valves quicker, holding them open longer..you get the idea
Last edited by cv67; Feb 2, 2019 at 03:27 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 142
Likes: 7
From: Syracuse NY
I’m sorry guys I understand the stress for springs,
but I really don’t care that much this is a TENPORARY engine.
i want to toss a 100$ cam into it I have all the gaskets and stuff spare in my shop
and just run it.
if the springs float I really don’t even care.
this engine might not see more than 1000mile and maybe 10 hours runtime over the course of a year
I really don’t drive my car that much I live in a state with terrible weather and I work 50 hours a week in the summer
this is just a spare engine I bought so I can still ... if I want... drive my car becaus I love to drive it whenever I can.
but I don’t wanna drive a DOG the current engine is a vortec 400 hybrid I built myself and pulls like an empty freight train
id hate to disappoint myself while I save up the necessary $$$ and TIME to rebuild by 400 vortec (it needs a bore and new rings bad)
so to to sum it ip
i want to spend the absolute least amount of $ on this spare engine and save every single dime I can for the rebuild. And springs cut into that budget.
im hardly even sold on doing a cam at this rate I might not even do it but I know the stock 400 ‘882 are dogs with stock cam because this is my 3rd one I know.
a cam would make me happy
springs push my budget and I don’t want to do it.
Its important in the car world to set boundaries especially financial ones
i hope you all understand my financial boundaries
but I really don’t care that much this is a TENPORARY engine.
i want to toss a 100$ cam into it I have all the gaskets and stuff spare in my shop
and just run it.
if the springs float I really don’t even care.
this engine might not see more than 1000mile and maybe 10 hours runtime over the course of a year
I really don’t drive my car that much I live in a state with terrible weather and I work 50 hours a week in the summer
this is just a spare engine I bought so I can still ... if I want... drive my car becaus I love to drive it whenever I can.
but I don’t wanna drive a DOG the current engine is a vortec 400 hybrid I built myself and pulls like an empty freight train
id hate to disappoint myself while I save up the necessary $$$ and TIME to rebuild by 400 vortec (it needs a bore and new rings bad)
so to to sum it ip
i want to spend the absolute least amount of $ on this spare engine and save every single dime I can for the rebuild. And springs cut into that budget.
im hardly even sold on doing a cam at this rate I might not even do it but I know the stock 400 ‘882 are dogs with stock cam because this is my 3rd one I know.
a cam would make me happy
springs push my budget and I don’t want to do it.
Its important in the car world to set boundaries especially financial ones
i hope you all understand my financial boundaries
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,293
Likes: 494
From: Salmon Arm, BC
If the boundaries are that tight, I wouldn't even waste any more time thinking about it.....install the stock 400 and save for a proper rebuild. You said it yourself above that you don't even drive it much and doubt it will see 1000 miles, don't waste your time....that my 2 cents
