Cam Recommendation Needed

[70_Steve]

Finally figured out most of what I'm doing with my engine rebuild. About the only thing left is to decide on a cam. I really have no experience with different cam grinds, and have been trying to make a decision based on the one-line description of the cam from the mfgr. So, I'll ask you guys to share your experience.

The engine is an 86 351, and I'm staying with the stock 69cc heads, E5AE-CA. I will have the exhaust hump removed. I'm going with Speed Pro H336CP30 pistons. I'm having the block decked to give me piston installed height of .005-.008, which should give me a compresion ratio of 8.9-9.0:1, and a quench height of .044 to .047 with the .039 head gaskets.

Edit: The intake side is GT-40 lower, Explorer upper w/65mm throttle body, A9P computer. Long tube headers on the exhaust side.

I don't think either motor I've had in this Bronco has seen 4000 rpms. I typically do all low speed trail stuff/rock crawling. The rest of the drive train is an NV4500, TeraLow gears in the t-case, 4.56 gears and 35's. On the highway, I run 65-70, and with my gearing that give me about 22-2300 rpm.

I've been looking at two Comp Cam grinds, and am leaning towards the 35-235-3.

Any comments?

 

[73azbronco]

I like the -3 one also. Make sure you use some molly additive to your oil so you don't wipe the lobes... Thats one big reason I went roller, and ended up with far fewer choices in cam selection.

 

[needabronco]

The 4250H looks a bit better suited for what your looking for to me. There's really not much difference between the 2, but this one looks like the torque curve will come on a hair earlier. Given that you don't run that fast I don't think you'll get much benefit from the higher torque curve. I think it would be better suited for a truck that would tow a trailer down the freeway. Since off idle torque is really what we're all after that would be my choice.

 

[lars]

call Comp Cams

Call them (what I did) or use their online help form. The more information you can give them, the better, and it looks like you have plenty.

 

[70_Steve]

Call them (what I did) or use their online help form. The more information you can give them, the better, and it looks like you have plenty.

OK, just filled out their form. I'll see what they've got to say.

Just thought I'd tap all this real-world experience available here!!!

BTW, I filled out the on-line form for Crower a week ago, and haven't heard back yet.

 

[noreasteb]

I had emailed comp cams directly and got a response from Autum?? Anyhow, I provided my current engine configuration and they came back with a custom ground cam for my application.
The cost of this was about $305. An off the shelf was $265 - $285. Not too bad for a cam ground custom to your engine/driveline set-up.

 

[SnwMnkys]

Go with the bigger of the 2. I have a similiar cam, just a little more duration and I like it alot, really good power throughout the RPM range, plus its a little more fun on the street.

 

[Mr Rags]

Steve, you might look at the edelbrock performer cam. I have used it, and had very gooed results. just my .02.

 

[needabronco]

I also run a performer cam and am happy with how it runs. Real good off idle torque and still good on the highway. Well you've ridden in it...

 

[70_Steve]

Looked at Edelbrocks Performer Plus cam specs. For the most part they look similar to the Comp Cam grinds. But the specific valve timing is different, and I don't know exactly how this affects performance, or even if it's just a difference in how they measure timing. I also understand that the ramp rates on the lobes have just as big an effect on performance, but there's no specs on that...

 

[broncnaz]

I'd probably go with the smaller cam with your OD RPM's the samller cam will be better as its cruise RPM range will be in the range you need it. Although the bigger cam may also be near that range.. Its always best to see what the cam companies recommend.

 

[70_Steve]

For anyone interested, this is the cam CompCams recommended.

 

[gearida]

I have just purchased a cam from Mellings that is cheaper in cost than most others and feel it to be a great cam choice. My machinist recommended it. I can not find it on the Mellings site, it has more lift than the what is listed. I would call them and ask for their recommendations if interested. I have used their oil pumps for years and feel they build good products.

 

[Ratch]

I had emailed comp cams directly and got a response from Autum?? Anyhow, I provided my current engine configuration and they came back with a custom ground cam for my application.
The cost of this was about $305. An off the shelf was $265 - $285. Not too bad for a cam ground custom to your engine/driveline set-up.

Was it roller or flat tappet and did it come with the lifters? I am thinking of a custom grind for mine as well, just haven't gotten that far yet.

 

[73azbronco]

70 steve, did you download and run the compcams software? thats probably all the techs there did was run what you requested and it spit that one out, which was one of three I was looking at. I opted for the xe264hr. I went with the 264 because it was one of three which has a decent LCA for eventual EFI.

still waiting for assembly...

 

[noreasteb]

I had run the Comp Cams software it provided some cam selections but none that looked great so I called them.
As for my particular setup, I have a 1989 5.0 roller block, so the custom cam was for roller tappets/lifters. Flat tappet cams are a little cheaper and there is typically a better selection.
I have heard good things about going with people like Ed Curtis @ http://www.flowtechinduction.com/fordcams.htm and Jay Allen @ http://www.camshaftinnovations.com/Camshafts.htm

 

[needabronco]

Steve, That cam is recommended for speed density which isn't as adaptive as Mass Air. I think you could run either of the 3 cams. Comp cam's probably heard you had a 351 efi, and assumed it was speed density, and used that as their basis. Not saying it wouldn't work but mass air is really good at adjusting to different cam.

 

[Ratch]

I had run the Comp Cams software it provided some cam selections but none that looked great so I called them.
As for my particular setup, I have a 1989 5.0 roller block, so the custom cam was for roller tappets/lifters. Flat tappet cams are a little cheaper and there is typically a better selection.
I have heard good things about going with people like Ed Curtis @ http://www.flowtechinduction.com/fordcams.htm and Jay Allen @ http://www.camshaftinnovations.com/Camshafts.htm

Thx for the info. I found a crane roller I like, might go with it.
http://cranecams.com/?show=browsePa...=302 C.I.&partNumber=444211&partType=camshaft
89 5.0 , explorer intakes, c4 probably 33's with c4 would put my rpm at 2450ish at 70mph.