Which cam is best?

[Art Jett]

I just bought a set of Edelbrock performer rpm heads (thanks 1unsafe1). I am currently in the U.K. on my way to scenic Angola for 2-3 weks and thought I'd use my travel bunus to invest in the short block on my return to the real world. I'm not that knowledgeable about engines and am unsure about which cam would be best for my proposed setup. I am going with a 383, afforementioned heads and TPI. If I am correct, the 1.47 valve springs on the heads are for a roller cam? If so what cam specs would be best? I am using 1.5 roller tip rocker arms. I can specify the cam to the company the short block is coming from and they will adjust the price accordingly. I'm not going to race or even drive the car that hard. I just really love the sound of a somewhat radical engine and like the availability of lots of power if I so desire. So far the advice I've gotten from this site has been priceless and I really appreciate ya'll taking the time to share your knowledge and experience.
Art
I forgot to add that I'd like a fairly nasty idle, but not enough so that I have vacuum problems. I'd rather not have to use an electric vacuum pump for brakes, headlight doors etc.

 

[Jack]

First, you need to know compression ratio ... what is dome volume of new pistons(- or +)? ... how far down in cylinder are the pistons when at TDC? ... what cc are the heads' chambers? Without that info, NO ONE can figure out what CR will be. Without CR, NO ONE can properly advise you about cam choice. What trans do you have? 4spd, Auto ... any xtra stall on convertor? What is rear axle ratio? ALL info needed for proper advice. When in brit sectors of Angola ... is the protestant church Anglican? ... or ... Angolan?

 

[waterboy1976]

Well....as Jack says above...need to figure CR into the equation....but I like the 7102 Edelbrock cam.....With 1:6 roller rockers this cam runs almost .544 inches lift on the intake side.....Its nice a lumpy...great 1700to 5500 rpm range...( I have a 4 speed car) Im am running 10.32:1 compression...Good luck....

Rob

 

[Art Jett]

The supplier for my shortblock specs the cr at 10.5:1 w/64cc combustion chambers. I will be running a 700R-4 through a 3.08 diff. w/ a 1600? stallspeed converter. The rockers are 1.5 roller tip. I believe the valve springs are 1.47 which are for a roller cam aren't they? The heads are Edelbrock performer rpm.


Jack--I spoke with a Brit here but he is Greek Orthodox. He guessed Anglican.

 

[Jack]

According to EB specs for sbc rpm heads ... springs should be EB P/N 5767 ... if so, those are supposed to have seat pressure about 105# ... that will be fine for a performance hydraulic flat tappet cam.

As far as cam recommendations ... I tend to err on side of caution ... aka conservative. With 3.08 gear & more or less stock stall ... suggest a hydraulic flat tappet cam in same general range as Sealed Power/Speed-Pro cam P/N CS1062R .468"I/.480"E 0.050" dur 220*I/231*E ... kit with cam & lifters is SP P/N KC1062R ... top quality & available through local parts houses at good prices.
JACK:gap
BTW --- with that cam, rpm heads & 10.5:1CR ... 355" motor should make an honest 350-370HP & 390-410TQ at CRANK on pump premium.

 

[waterboy1976]

I like Jacks cam recommendations for you. With a 1600 stall and 3.08 gears that would be a good spec cam for your car.......The cam I recommended will fall flat for your application.....as Ive got a 4 speed with 3:55 rear gears....

 

[Lucy64]

I went with the Edelbrock 7102 when I had the new engine built. I went 10:1, Edelbrock rpm heads, Edelbrock performer manifold, Edelbrock 750 carb and hooker super comp headers. I love it and the only think I may change is to swap to a Holley carb. I am not really fond of the Edelbrock carb.

 

[waterboy1976]

Im running a BG Mighty Demon 650 on mine.....no choke so shes not a cold weather baby, but I went with that one because of the duration of the 7102 cam 234/244 thats what would suit it best according to my specs....

 

[Crimson Thunder]

Pick a cam company you like and call their tech line and see what they would recommend for your application.The first question they will ask will be your compression ratio.

 

[dfw81shark]

I've got Edelbrock RPM Etec 200 heads, with the Performer RPM Roller cam, Performer RPM intake, and Performer 750cfm carb. I have 3.54 rear gears, th350, and hooker sidepipes. I live REALLY close to Azle. You should come check it out. I've got a few little issues with the car, but you could get an idea in the state that it is in now. You could at least get an idea on the idle quality. I think it is what you are looking for - vaccuum is there, but idle is lumpy. PM me if you are interested. I realize you are in UK now, but I live on the southeast side of Eagle Mountain Lake for when you get back. I think I am going to tear it down again in a couple weeks or so.

 

[Jack]

I think dfw81shark 's offer to have Art stop by is a nice & generous one. I also think Art should avail himself of it ... could definately help Art clarify what stuff causes what changes. And if these two fellows haven't already met ... making a new nearby vette pal is alone worth the time.

 

[Art Jett]

The offer is great and I'll be taking him up on it as soon as the jet lag from my return from Angola wears off. Once again I'll say that this forum is worth a million bucks. Not just for the info, but to make friends also!!!