I just got done changing my heads out but didn't get a chance to try it out because we left for Iraq. I am looking to change out my stock cam with something stronger. I see a lot of guys have the XE 274 and say thats really strong. I don't want to mess with the torque converter though, so does anyone have any other suggestions? Keep in mind that this isn't a roller block (wish it was). Also does this combination I have so far sound in the ball park? Appreciate any help

Thanks
Jason

 

That's WAY WAY WAY WAY too much cam for that motor you've got. It has no compression WHATSOEVER. It's lucky to hit 8.5:1. That cam needs something more like 10:1 to work right. With the phone company van motor, you'll end up with less power below 3000 RPM, than a 6-cyl; and since the heads run out of flow at a little above 4000 RPM, you'd end up with one of those motors that has no bottom end, no top end, and just drinks gas like it has a broken fuel line. Altogether a mismatch.

It's just not set up as a performance motor at all. You need to get rid of the 70s smogger head copies ("Hecho En Mexico" 993s) and deep-dish pistons as the first steps in getting significantly more power than it puts out now.

The XE262 works fairly well in it, and is about as big as it can tolerate. That's what I'd suggest.

 

It says in your sig that you have fast burn heads is this correct? Those heads are going to like a bigger cam because of the size intake runner. But if you dont want to get a converter than your going to want to look at the XE262 cam With 3.73 gears. This is the biggest XE cam you can run with the stock converter without it being a total dog off the line.This is a good cam, but since you already have an awesome set of heads I would really look into getting a the XE274 and a bigger stall, you wont regret it.

 

Sorry, I missed that... is that for real? Does that intake actually cover the ports completely and make the gasket seal? How much of a step between the head runner and the intake runner is there?

 

Thanks for the quick responses. Yeah the stock engine had almost no compression, thats why I changed up the heads. Funny thing is when I did the change out the pistons weren't dished I know it sounds crazy but they weren't, not sure what that is all about. I calculated my compression and its like 9.7 ish. I think I will take you advice with the converter. What stall do you recommend? As for the ports, they weren't too bad. You have to get an odd ball size gasket from felpro to make it work or the ports on the heads won't seal up right. There is a break between the ports, not too much I could there. I am just looking forward to seeing what these things will do. Do you think I have about the right size carb? I still have to tune it in when I get back from this sand box. I will look into getting the bigger cam though. Really appreciate the help guys
thanks
Jason

 

messed up in my last post, I meant a step not a break between the ports. Sorry about that but I didn't want anyone thing there is a gap or something between my manifold and my head.

 

A 2500-3000 stall should work just fine. You really wont regret it. Those heads and that cam will make a really combo. Ive seen plenty of guys running low 12's with that cam and vortec heads and the fast burns are supposed to be a step up from the vortecs. Also you would benefit alot with an RPM air gap intake over the one you have. The regular performer RPM would even be better. Good Luck.

 

Don't me to sound like an newbie, but what do you mean by an rpm air gap intake? Really nice to hear that my car should be running so good. Thanks for all the help though, I was pretty much lost on the cam.

 

Its a very popular dual plane intake made by edelbrocke. From what Ive seen its the best dual plane intake out these days, only problem is that it doesnt fit under the stock hood and isnt emissions legal.

 

Your wrong about fitting under the hood. I have one, a 650 Demon carb, and a 3" air filter. It's tight, but it fits.

 

I was told by more than a few people running it that it doesnt, but there are many different circumstances involved. Therefore I stand corrected.