Ok so here is what is in the works and what i have so far:

Arizona speed and marine runners
Edelbrock base
ported plenum
350 4 bolt main block soon to be bored to a 355
Dart Pro 1 heads (non-platinums...64cc chambers 200cc runners)

I am trying to figure out what cam to run. Id like to run the xfi268 but it requires roller lifters and this is a non roller block meaning a retrofit kit for more money than i want to dump. Are there any good flat tappet hydro cams that will give me great low end power (idle to 5000). I dont really care about power over 5 since its TPI anyways. If there ends up being power over 5 then great. Im also planning on getting a set of pistons to get me to around 10:1-10.5:1 compression.

 

1 you will not get 5. 2 all you will need is roller lifters and i would suggest new pushrods. that is the only fifference.

 

You'll need retro fit roller lifters, which are expensive. You'll also need a cam button and appropriate timing cover so the cam doesn't walk out the front of the block. And, as stated, pushrods.

 

retro fit roller lifters. is there a difference in blocks?? then why is there a need for a retrofit set of lifters.

 

They have nonroller/flat-tap xfi cams too. The comp cams website isn't working atm or I'd post a link, but this will do http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/COMP-...Q5fAccessories

I was considering one myself B4 I found another I prefered.

 

Well it pulls to 5 now as a 305 with an LT4 cam, headers and the intake mentioned above so yes 5 is reachable with TPI if done right.

 

I was actually pointed to that on NECF. I think thats the cam im going to go with. Its almost as good as the roller one and a lot less of a pain. For a street motor it should be just about right.

 

Oh forgot, you can also search xfi268 on youtube has a few cars running with one, sounds great.

 

Sure its not the XE268? I have a buddy running that cam and his car sounds nasty and pulls like a ****..but the lift is all different and im not completely sure that cam is as ideal for me as the XFI268.

 

You can go to Comp Cams website and download for free their CamQuest program. It is full of variables you can plug in for your situation such as engine size, exhaust treatment, intended use, etc. It is quite helpful and also has graphs and projections for results based on what you select.

 

Cam Quest does not have options for modified TPI. Factory stock TPI only. Youre better off guessing on the right cam. The XFI 268 is a good choice. Might actually be a bit small for your head choice. 200cc kinda large for wanting low end. However, those intake runners will work with that cam and you should have decent low end. And it will rip to 6000. If youre gonna go with the 1.6 rockers called for, be sure you have enough valve spring to stay out of float. Good thing with those intake volumes, youll be able to go to a bigger cam when you want more power.

I will say it again, roller beats flat tappet every time. Even if you need retro rollers(which you will unless you have an 87 or later roller block) the extra cost now is well worth it. We spend $1000s building a performance engine. Why skrimp on the very part that makes it go.

 

i thought you ment pull past 500 horse sorry.

 

The XFI268 for a roller cam has .570 lift vs the .520 or so for the hydraulic flat tappet. I will def need different valve springs since the ones that are installed in the dart heads are only good for .525 lift. I "may" start looking for a roller block to build and sell this block. The only thing making me think about keeping it is its a 010 block with 4 bolt mains so its a nice solid bottom end to build. I know i could have built a 2 bolt for a bit less but oh well. I still need to get this block to the machine shop.

 

Block is at the machine shop now. I just gotta make a final decision on a cam. Some are saying the XFI is too small for the heads i have..others are saying its too big and still others are saying its just about right. Ive been also told to go for the XE268 since im still running TPI. Any last words of advice from people. Ive done the camquest software and it only gets a ballpark guess as to the cam that would be best fo the motor since im not running a stock TPI setup.