cam experts?

[TDubya]

Just for fun I contacted both Crane and Comp with camshaft suggestions. Crane suggested the H266 and Comp the XE262H http://www.compperformancegroupstor...&Product_Code=31-238-3&Category_Code=SBHFTCXE What would the performance difference between the two be? Crane doesn't reference it in their spec sheet, but the Comp cam is on a 110 lobe-center angle.

 

[broncnaz]

I think peformance wise they will be very close. probably really wouldnt see much differance between the 2. The crane has a 1400-5700 rpm op range while the comp is 1300-5600 rpm.

 

[broncbuster]

my .02 worth (& it may not even be worth that) is that for cams in most 4x4s, less is more, if you need a lot of low end grunt. SBFs need exhaust help, so a dual pattern cam will probably work better. I like the comp cams xe 250, except that I would prefer a 112 deg lobe center cam (like the edelbrock performer has) this decreases overlap and increases low end grunt, but the edelbrock cam is a bit "bigger"than the comp xe250.

We are building a new 302 for my son's 72 soon. Comp recommended their xe 250, he is debating between that and the edelbrock cam.

Went on a bronco trail run recently, the bronco just ahead of me had a pretty healthy 408. My stock 302 did better than his high dollar engine in the rough terrain we were in, even though I have a stock 3spd, 3.50s & 33s, to his automatic, 4.56s & 35s. He could blow me into the weeds on smoothish straight areas, but he had a hard time crawling over ledges, rocks etc. I don't know what cam he has, his idle was fairly smooth, but did have a barely noticeable lope. I just think it's pretty easy to put too much cam in an all around use 4x4. Sure you can build a lot more overall power into an engine, but if it won't pull well right off idle I think it's counterproductive. I would rather have an operating range of idle to 4800 than 1500-5800. Are you really going to rev to 5800? I need to crawl over obstacles more often than I need to rev above 4500. just my opinion.

 

[blubuckaroo]

I know what you mean about "sometimes more is less." Years back, I could easily keep up on trail obstacles with my Trail 90 when the others were riding 250 Ossa and Montessa trials bikes. Somethings are pure bling.

 

[broncnaz]

my .02 worth (& it may not even be worth that) is that for cams in most 4x4s, less is more, if you need a lot of low end grunt. SBFs need exhaust help, so a dual pattern cam will probably work better. I like the comp cams xe 250, except that I would prefer a 112 deg lobe center cam (like the edelbrock performer has) this decreases overlap and increases low end grunt, but the edelbrock cam is a bit "bigger"than the comp xe250.

We are building a new 302 for my son's 72 soon. Comp recommended their xe 250, he is debating between that and the edelbrock cam.

Went on a bronco trail run recently, the bronco just ahead of me had a pretty healthy 408. My stock 302 did better than his high dollar engine in the rough terrain we were in, even though I have a stock 3spd, 3.50s & 33s, to his automatic, 4.56s & 35s. He could blow me into the weeds on smoothish straight areas, but he had a hard time crawling over ledges, rocks etc. I don't know what cam he has, his idle was fairly smooth, but did have a barely noticeable lope. I just think it's pretty easy to put too much cam in an all around use 4x4. Sure you can build a lot more overall power into an engine, but if it won't pull well right off idle I think it's counterproductive. I would rather have an operating range of idle to 4800 than 1500-5800. Are you really going to rev to 5800? I need to crawl over obstacles more often than I need to rev above 4500. just my opinion.

I wont say your wrong but it all depends on overall useage. If you have correct gearing for your tire size ect a big or bigger cam wont hurt. Especailly when you hit the hiway where that bigger cam will get you the power and mileage you need. If your never going to drive it down the hiway then yes all you need is a small cam.
Also you throw in a automatic tranny with a stroker with a cam and you need to pick the correct torque converter as it makes a big differance in how the vehicle moves.
But it all depends on your complete setup. Mine for instance with the NP435 I could run a pretty big cam and still crawl without issue.
Yes it is easy to over cam a 4x4 but almost all the 4x4 type cams are well suited and most will list what other parts/gearing is recommended got to follow that to ensure it will do what you want.
even stock cams fall in the RV type cam range. when you start getting into the 280 intake durations then your bordering on to big in most cases.
I rarely go by operating range I like to know the cruise RPM range as that puts the cam/engine in a range where its most effiecent when running down the hiway. Offroad I have the gearing to make up forany lowend loss. Of course on the other side of that if you are running a OD tranny then that small cam will be in its range when your cruising down the hiway. Like I said it depends on useage and setup.

 

[broncbuster]

I have no argument with any of that.

 

[vintage bronco]

Ed Curtis grinds em http://www.flowtechinduction.com/fordcams.htm
Jay Allen grinds em http://www.camshaftinnovations.com/Camshafts.htm


both guys are well respected in the go fast world. Ed's website is prettier, but I chose Jay Allen...he was faster to get me moving along....

i am with tdc worm on this one either jay allen or ed curtis will fix you right up on a custom grind ! just feed them the exact info they require w/o question and you will be 100 % taken care of ! Great FORD People.