I'm kinda in the middle of an engine build and need a bit of advice on cam choice(i know your thinking hooray another cam thread, just hear me out). My original cam i wanted too order seems a bit small from what i've read, it is a crane energizer 272-H grind, 110lsa, .454 lift with 1.5(i'll be using a 1.6 though), 216@.050.

The engine will have p&p 441(basically a heavy casting 882) with three angle valve job, 1.94 1.5 valves, and will be using steel shim gaskets too get me a 9.5ish cr on a 355.

I will be using the stock tq convertor until i can afford one with a 2500 stall speed. The rear gears are 3.23's also.

I want this thing to pull hard from 2200-6000rpm, still have decent vacuum, wouldn't mind a lopey idle, and will be my summer cruise/race vehicle.

I will also be using a weiand x-celerator intake til' i can afford an performer rpm, or holley street dominator. The carb is a holley 4160,600cfm, vac secondary.

Let me know if i forgot some info.

 

No suggestions????? C'mon guys.

 

That's a good cam for the stock converter and 3.23s. This cam develops good cylinder pressure early in the RPM range so 9.5:1 is on the upper end of what you want to run. Given the criteria you laid out you could go a step larger, especially if you go with the 2500 RPM stall in the future.

 

How much lift can your heads take? I like smaller cams with high lift. The ones you have sited are low lift in my opinion and you are leaving horsepower on the table.

 

I have no idea how to see what my heads can support as of lift(no idea how to figure that out) i do know i'll be pinning the studs, and using springs that support up to a .480 lift. I'll be needing to put some valve guides in also. What kind of machining would need to be done to clearance it?

 

If you have to ask it's too small!

 

If you are going to spin that motor to 6000rpm you will have to have those heads worked over pretty good. That means screw in rocker studs and plenty of porting. Might be better off to get a good used set of aftermarket heads. With 1.6 rockers that lift is just the minimum for your 1.94" valves. The more lift the better.

 

I would not go any bigger. That cam will make plenty of power but not strain those heads and you'll certainly want more converter and gear to get the most out of it. Even a 2500 converter will be on the tight side.