My Build Thread (Sort of)

[mechanicalman]

Originally Posted by engineer_gregh

I don't believe the new cam was grooved so now I'm concerned that I'll have problems in the future. Mechanicalman I hope my engine builder knew what he was doing. I've put about 4K miles since the rebuild with no issues. The gearing and transmission will be a next year project. I would like to have more power out of the hole but the truck runs and drives so good that I just can't justify spending that much money right now. The only addition I've made lately was to add a CPP rear sway bar. It did improve body roll but it seemed to make the truck ride a little rougher. The suspension is less forgiving with rough roads.

That grooved cam was for 65-66, not sure even all of 66; you can't use a non-grooved cam in a 65-66 block. It is ok, however, to use the grooved cam on a later block like you were doing albeit not necessary at all.

No worries, the 3969854 block was for 69-72 396/402/454 2 & 4-Bolt that uses a non-grooved cam. You have the right style cam for your block.

Usually a sway bar will make it ride rougher. If you hit a bump straight on, like a speed-bump or drainage deression, it won't make a difference. You will notice when you hit a speed bump at an angle and go through a drainage depression at an angle that the vehicle will lurch back and forth sideways.

That grooved cam was for 65-66, not sure even all of 66; you can't use a non-grooved cam in a 65-66 block. It is ok, however, to use the grooved cam on a later block like you were doing albeit not necessary at all.

If you used these pistons-
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sl...make/chevrolet

I figure your compression to be around 8.5:1, perfect for the cam you selected. Unless you used steel shim head gaskets, or had your heads milled then you are close to 9:1.