Camshaft upgrade advice

[loneagle]

Why is a roller cam the best way to go? Hydraulic flat tappets will last just as long as a roller cam IMO. I've never had a problem with flat tappets. Rollers just seem to have massive lifts all the time.

Here's a link that explains the benefits of a roller.
http://www.myrideisme.com/Blog/camshaft ... vs-roller/

I changed over to a roller in my '70 nova and it made a big difference. The car has more power at all the rpm ranges and the engine is alot smoother. The cam I went with is a regrind on a steel billet simular to the comp XR282HR 230/236 @ .050 The lift is only .510/.520 so it's not much more than a flat tappet. The conversion didn't cost me much. My engine is from a '92 so it was already set up for a roller. Had it not been for this I probably wouldn't have done it.

 

[loneagle]

My 77' TA has a 3:42 first and 3:08 rear just like you. Terrific takeoff and decent highway cruising. The biggest cam I ran with that was the Crane 278, and allready I needed a vacuum can for the power brakes. But the idle was good and it pulled like an ape from 2000 to 6000 rpm. This was in a Pontiac 400 so I can't rev as much, it's a torque monster. The 282 should be a bit stronger with a tad worse idle. I got away with 1000 rpm idle since it's a 4 speed, so you can to.

Thanks for the info!

 

[loneagle]

Well I went with the Crane 282 H06. Got it installed yesterday and drove it to work today. It sounds real good, you definitely know there's a cam in there now, lots of thump! Low speed power is about the same as the old cam. The streets were wet today so I couldn't get on it, have to wait for a dry day to test it out. Manifold vacuum is 11" @ 1000 rpm idle. No problem with the power brakes. Thanks for the suggestions, I'm very pleased with my choice!

 

[drogg1]

I think you're definitely gonna like it. It's got just about the right amount of duration and maybe could use some 1.6 roller rockers. Also, it has lots of overlap so you'll want to open up your exhaust system for minimal backpressure so as to not waste the effects of overlap.

 

[loneagle]

I've got that covered. The 2.5" exhaust system with X pipe is going on this weekend. It should make a big differance compared to the small 2" that on there now!

 

[gbodyera]

Post a vid for us

 

[Bonnewagon]

Where would you say the rpm band is now?

 

[loneagle]

Post a vid for us

You bet, I plan on taking my camera along for the exhaust install on Sat.

Where would you say the rpm band is now?

I really can't tell, the streets were wet and I couldn't really get into the throttle at all. The low end response felt pretty good. I'd say the power band starts around 500 rpm higher. I can tell you more after I drive it awhile.

 

[loneagle]

OK, here's the video as promised. I'm really happy with the way it sounds/ runs. A little more tuning now to get it just right!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TowhTR_Ht0

 

[Bonnewagon]

Yeah, that's a lot more lope than the 278 cam has. Sounds good though!