Tech Help: I need a cam for my 302 Ford

[restorit]

Ok you guys, I want a decent hydraulic cam for my 69 Ford 302 that is going into my 52 Ford Customline. Nothing too radical but should have a noticeable idle. I am using a C4 with a Mustang 8" or 9" with 3.20 - 3.00 gears - no power brakes. Probably an Edelbrock Performer intake and either a Holley 600 or Edelbrock Performer carb. (I really want 2x4's but...) I do not want to put in a stall converter so I am thinking that 218 duration and under 500 lift is the ticket. I am looking for suggestions and if anyone has a cam to sell (or 2x4 intake), they can pm me. Thanks!
Tom - restorit

[345window]

Call the 'Cam Dynamics" tech line. I have had three of these, one in a 302 and a 351 and another in an Olds 455. Never had a problem, the "RV" cam pulls strong in the low end.

[burger]

You left out some important information, like what your compression ratio is and what type of heads & exhaust you are running.


Ed

PS- If you're running a performer intake and a performer carb, you can't go wrong with a performer cam.

[Flat Ernie]

Big car, automatic tranny, highway gears - W/O knowing anything else, I'd point you at a Performer cam or similar grind from any of the major mfgrs. They've all got tech lines, pic your fav & call 'em. They'll grill ya on what ya want & make a recommendation.

FWIW, you need a dual-pattern (sometimes called split-pattern) cam - the Ford exhaust needs help. Don't get talked into a single-pattern cam.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[restorit]

Well, I knew I would leave out something. Comp ratio is 9.5, heads are stock, exhaust will be headers - probably shorties.
Stupid question: How do I know if I am getting a dual or single pattern cam?
I called the Summit Tech line and they suggested a Comp High Energy 268 - 218 duration - 456 lift. Would that be a dual pattern? Guess I did not think of getting a special grind. Thanks for the responses...Tom - restorit.

[hillbillyhellcat]

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=6366&view=1024&av=3

Use your stock springs, has a nice lope with more top end. Using one a mildly built 302 right now. For an extra $20 you can get a lifter kit also. You can't beat it for the price.

[Flat Ernie]

[ QUOTE ]
suggested a Comp High Energy 268 - 218 duration - 456 lift. Would that be a dual pattern?

[/ QUOTE ]

Sounds like it is - simply put, a dual-pattern cam has different specs for intake vs exhaust.

The summit cam recommended looks good too & you can't beat the price (not sure who makes their cams for them)

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[restorit]

Thanks for the help! I will be ordering the Summit cam today - I like those specs...Tom - restorit.

[Berdoo John]

That is the same cam that just went into my 302 that was just rebuilt. Haven't fired it up yet. I ordered the full Comp Cam K-kit. Check and make sure you can use all you stock stuff...if I recall correctly it recomends upgrading the valve springs. The K-kit I got came with new pushrods, lifters, springs, timing chain...

I am running exactly the same setup in my A as you are...302 with Edl Performer intake and 600cfm Edl carb, Comp Cam, Headers, C4, stock convertor, 3.00 9". Don't know how well it works but we decided to try out a HEI SBF distibutor from Speedway Motors.

[restorit]

I held off getting the Summit cam today...Tech said I would be unhappy with that cam and stock converter - still thinking about the Comp Cams complete kit too. Too many choices! Tom - restorit

[Berdoo John]

What type of stall was Summit recommending? We were gonna go with a little over stock, but couldn't seem to find something mild enough. My C4 is at the tranny shop getting rebuilt right now and they said the stock convertor should be fine with that cam. Hmmmm...

[restorit]

They said I would need about an 1800 over stock - seems like a lot but he said that the Summit cam was more for racing...by the way, he said the 268 Comp Cams kit would work with the stock converter...guess that is what you are using?
Tom - restorit

[Berdoo John]

Yes, I have the 268 Comp Cams K-kit. I was mixed up with what cam you were planning to get from Summit I guess. I was gonna call Summit tech and Comp Cam tech again today to dble check, now i don't have to...thanks for the info. Good Luck.