SBC Cam Suggestions, Please

[Homeresque]

Ok class, I need cam suggestions. I currently run a Comp 270/480 hyd in the 327 in the deuce 3W, which with a gear drive is suitably rude. I'm thinking I may unload the 3W sometime soon and build up a deuce roadster so I'm pulling together parts. It'll have a Currie 9"(3.00 to 3.20), trans is a muncie M20, the engine is a 307(late, small journal 283 with a 327 crank/rods), 896 powerpac heads(58cc,1.72/1.5), CI intake with 4GC, stock dist with electric guts, double-roller timing(no more of that geardrive crap), 1.5 roller tip rockers and 2.5 or 3" rams horns. The question is I pretty well understand levels of cam for 327s and up, but not smaller displacements. I want a hyd cam for this small engine not quite as wild as the 270/480 is in the 327 and taking advantage of all this lowend torque in a light car. Keep in mind its a small stroker and the CR will end up about 10:1. Thanks

[Fat Hack]

Use a 350cid/300hp replacement cam...we put one in a friend's rebuilt 283 years ago and it just hauled ass! LOTS of power for such a small motor all the way through the powerband.

For what you're building, you will NOT be dissappointed!

Smooth idle, but more torque and horsepower than stock by a noticable margin!

[fab32]

Since you aleady have experience with Comp Cams how about a 268H grind? I've used them in just about every displacement SBC there is with good results. Nice sounding idle, great mid-range power, decent gas milage. Its one of the most flexable cams that they grind.

Frank

[Just Gary]

Call several cam manufacturers' hotlines for their recommendations. Take the average lift, duration & LSA recommendations, then buy the cam closest to that average.

Attached is a table of recommended duration, as a function of expected RPM range. It's specifically for the 350, but if you go with something milder, it'll put you in the ballpark.

[Homeresque]

Thanks class. I'd love to be able to go down to my local chevy parts counter at Clipinger(you know, where all the burned out Humvees are) and score a genuwine GM cam but I'm thinking $$$. CompCams would be good as I could get the whole kit with lifters and suitable springs. From that chart I'd say a 210-215'@50 would be good, but what about lift? And what about a split dur? Any feelings?

[rickyracer1962]

comp cams makes a 'musclecar cam' thats supposed to be like the 350hp327 cam, but a little better. i would try that cam. you selling the gear drive?

[nvr2red]

I'm with fab32. I used a 280H on recommendation from a friend and was really happy with the results. It has good torque, but I can feel it pull as it winds up, too.

[Rocky]

I used the Crane equivelent for the 350 hp cam in an old 72 nova with 307. Used an HEI with a Q-jet on an iron manifold for a nice streeter with a 4 speed.

[Homeresque]

This a new engine to go in a future car so no geardrive.
The Comp 280H is what have(I was confused...280/470 is what I meant to say). In the 327 it goes fine, in fact Ive never wound it out to its full potential what with the early Ford glasslike-driveline and me being a sissy. But I've always thought that the smaller the displacement, the more exaggerated your cam will be. I'd like one that would maximize all this low-end potential in the 1000-4500 range, allowing with a 3.05-3.20 rear to cruise at 80mph/2400rpm and still stomp away from a stopsign cuz its so lightweight, so I think a 210-220(260-270) would work but what about lift? Should it be relatively big? Do we think there may be valve clearance probs with the longer throw? Split-duration?...???...Why are there so many ANTS???