Custom Cam / Cam-Grinder ???

[fine69]

So I get a call from the machine shop yesterday. They haven't had a chance to inspect the cylinder head yet, but he wanted to make a suggestion. He said that I was doing things 'bassackwards" kinda. He said by utilizing the flow rate and other specs of the heads and engine, he could get a cam-grinder to custom-make a camshaft --- based on that info and how I plan to drive the car. He said that the cost would be "reasonable" (I'm sure, ha!).

Have you all ever heard of such a thing? I am wondering there would be much benefit from the off-the-shelf variety. :confused

I already ordered the CS1062R Sealed Power Performance Cam (220/231 dur; .468/.480 lift; 110 lsa). I believe I'm all set, and I would rather NOT go the route of custom - particularly if there's no significant benefit.

Any comments or experience with this suggestion?

Thanks!

 

[Crimson Thunder]

Why dont you just call one of the major cam companies,give them all the engine/car info, and see what they recommend for your application?

 

[grumpyvette]

sharkcar71

is basically correct, theres such a large sellection of standard cam designs available if you look thru several dozen manufacturers catalogs that theres little to be gained other than bragging material by sellecting a custom grind cam. Ive been that route several times and while it may be "COOL" it won,t be likely to boost your power significantly over the results youll get from a similar off the shelf design thats available from at least one manufacturer,keep in mind MOST manufacturers keep aN EXTENSIVE LOBE library and can match the lift.durration and LSA you want on a standard core easily,and most manufacturers have HUNDREDS of non-listed cam designs available simply because they don,t have space to list the less popular sellections

CRANE 386-258-6174

CROWER 619-661-6477

ISKY 323.770.0930

ENGLE (310) 450-0806

ERSON 775.882.1622

DOUG HERBERT 1-800-444-7373

MELLING 517.787.8172

Schneider Cams 619) 297-0227

LUNATI 1-888-2012066

Cam Techniques
http://www.camtechniques.com/

CamCraft Cams
http://www.camcraftcams.com/

Comp Cams
http://www.compcams.com/

Crane Cams
http://www.cranecams.com/

Crower
http://www.crower.com/

Daytona Cams
http://www.camshafts.com/

Delta Cams
http://www.deltacam.com/

Chet Herbert
http://www.chetherbert.com/

Howard's Racing Components
http://www.howardscams.com/

Iskenderian Racing Cams
http://www.iskycams.com/

Lazer Cams
http://www.lazercams.com/

Lunati
http://www.lunaticams.com/

McGurk Engineering
http://www.waynemfgco.com/

Melling Automotive Products
http://www.melling.com/

Reed Racing Cams
http://www.reedcams.com/

Schneider Racing Cams
http://www.schneidercams.com/

Shadbolt Cams Limited
http://www.shadboltcams.com/

Clay Smith Cams
http://www.claysmithcams.com/

UltraDyne
http://www.ultradyne.com/



trust me! (this is only a small part of the available sellection)one of these manufacturers have something almost exactly matching your needs

 

[fine69]

Thanks guys. My knee-jerk reaction was that there would not be much benefit... I just wanted to be sure (the new info picked me off center).

 

[Jack]

Thanks guys. My knee-jerk reaction was that there would not be much benefit... I just wanted to be sure (the new info picked me off center).

For your application, I doubt a custom cam would be of significant benefit. However ...

Camcraft Cams
8357 Black Dog Alley
Easton, MD 21601
Phones (410)822-2122, (800)426-2261, Fax (410)822-0121
charles@camcraftcams.com
www.camcraftcams.com

Right up the road from you ... and I personally KNOW what Charles Reichard can do for a circle track motor ... emphasis on "personal" ... that's how their family does business.
JACK:gap

 

[fine69]

For your application, I doubt a custom cam would be of significant benefit. However ...

Camcraft Cams
8357 Black Dog Alley
Easton, MD 21601
Phones (410)822-2122, (800)426-2261, Fax (410)822-0121
charles@camcraftcams.com
www.camcraftcams.com

Right up the road from you ... and I personally KNOW what Charles Reichard can do for a circle track motor ... emphasis on "personal" ... that's how their family does business.
JACK:gap

Hey Jack,

Thanks for the info... but the Speed Pro CS1062R camshaft and lifters were delivered on Monday. I'm gonna stick with plan and use these as you had recommended.

The heads are still at the machine shop being checked out.

I plan on using Fel-Pro part #FPP-1003 (4.155" max bore composition type, 4.166 in. Bore, .041 in. compressed thickness). The pistons are Sealed Power H345NCP (flat top hypereutectic coated). The heads are 64cc. The engine was bored .030 last summer.

The machine shop said the compression ratio is around 9.5:1. I realize that calculating the EXACT CR requires much more detailed info, but does 9.5:1 sound about right?

Thanks,

Ralph

 

[Jack]

Ralph:
If the block has NOT been decked ... I calculate 9.73:1 static CR ... which matches what the SpeedPro catalog shows for same combo. BTW ... CR would be higher IF block had been decked.
JACK:gap
-edit- just a suggestion ... before you begin the next motor overhaul/build ... check w/ Charles Reichard ... needle him for his picks of local shops/builders. I dunno ... but have a sense your builder may not have checked/adjusted some things so well ... or may not have adequately advised you to do so.

 

[fine69]

Ralph:
If the block has NOT been decked ... I calculate 9.73:1 static CR ... which matches what the SpeedPro catalog shows for same combo. BTW ... CR would be higher IF block had been decked.
JACK:gap
-edit- just a suggestion ... before you begin the next motor overhaul/build ... check w/ Charles Reichard ... needle him for his picks of local shops/builders. I dunno ... but have a sense your builder may not have checked/adjusted some things so well ... or may not have adequately advised you to do so.

Jack,

Thanks. Yes, the block was decked, and the heads were also milled. Dave (the machine shop owner), said he could check the exact amount, but the amount was minimal. I ordered a pair of .20 spacers that Fel-pro offers to use with their print-o-seal gaskets. These are supposed to compensate for the amount that was milled/decked. However, when talking to Dave tday, he strongly recommends that I DON'T use these spacers -- more chance of seal problems, etc. Does anyone have experience using these spacers?

I should get the heads back from the shop this Saturday... the wait... the wait.. the wait.

Ralph

 

[Jack]

Ralph:
Curious ... why did Dave mill those virtually new rpm heads?

I agree w/ Dave on spacers... don't use 'em. You & Dave weren't specific about amounts milled off ... assuming Dave took 0.010" off both block & head (re: those 0.020" spacers) ... if so, and you use 1003 gasket & no spacers ... static CR will be right at 10.1:1 with 0.056" quench height. You'll probably need premium pump gas but nothing extra. DO ensure everything in valve train is lubed, adjusted & clearanced dead on the money this time.
JACK:gap

 

[Jack]

Well, Ralph ... how'd it turn out?

 

[fine69]

Well, Ralph ... how'd it turn out?

Hey Jack,

It's been slow but I guess I am making some progress. Crazy-busy at work.... and admittedly, I've been enjoying the Rally Sport with my kids on my time off!

Just last weekend I FINALLY installed the cam (and gear), heads, lifters, pushrods, rocker arms, timing cover, balancer. I used lots of moly lube and GM EOS assembly lube.

Next, I plan to adjust the rocker arms and install the intake.

Thanks for checking-up... I'll keep you posted.

Ralph