402 Cams? What works well in these engines? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

REPO1 · 03-31-2002, 11:37 PM

Hey guys, The swap meet is coming up here in a few weeks. Thought I might try and find a little bit larger cam to stick in this truck to give it a bit more power. I don't want anything crazy, but something with some fairly decent low-mid range power. The stock one cannot be helping that much.

Any thoughts on this? What duration/lift should I be watching for?

Thanks!
Reid

------------------
Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Canada

1970 Chevy C20 Custom Camper
#s matching 402BB Turbo 400 trans.
Air conditioning, power steering, manual brakes.
73,600 Original Miles!!

barn9 · 03-31-2002, 11:55 PM

Have you considered changing over to HEI and a set of headers before changing the cam? Those 2 changes made a nice difference in my 402. The f**dboys all head for their hidey holes when they see my truck comin' down the street, he-hee.

------------------[*]'71 Cheyenne, 402BB[*]Winfield, KS[*] http://barn9.freeservers.com[*] steer50@hotmail.com

REPO1 · 04-01-2002, 12:13 AM

Actually, its getting the HEI in a few days. As for the exhaust, I think I am going to keep the stock manifolds, and get a new dual setup that is quite a bit larger. I really don't want o get headers very badly. These stock manifolds fit so nice.

I was thinking of a cam, intake, and a new carb. (HEI also)

barn9 · 04-01-2002, 12:21 AM

I really like the difference the HEI made, you'll definately notice an improvement. The duals will help too! I went to the headers 'cause both originals developed cracks, and I decided if I was going to change them, I might as well gain a few horses while at it. Don't forget that H pipe when putting on the duals, it's the only way to go.

------------------[*]'71 Cheyenne, 402BB[*]Winfield, KS[*] http://barn9.freeservers.com[*] steer50@hotmail.com

**70cst** · 04-01-2002, 07:27 AM

Hey REPO1...I will have a Comp Cam Series XE268H-10 for sale in about 1-2 weeks. Its about a year old. It's only got about 500 miles on it. Part # 11-242-3. It's a low to mid reange Cam but works best with an aftermarket Stall Converter.. In my old age I like the factory converter better because it's a smoother shifing unit. Price...I'll sale it for more than 1/2 off list. I have a new Comp Cam on order (262 Series) which is a little tamer. The 268 has got a definite lope to it. Comp told me this Cam is on the ragged edge of working with the factory converter. I think it's beyond the edge. Great sound and good low to mid range but as I said a litttle to wild for me. My trucks has a 402BB with 400 auto.
Regards,
Dewayne 70cst

[This message has been edited by 70cst (edited April 01, 2002)

[This message has been edited by 70cst (edited April 01, 2002).]

Spoof · 04-01-2002, 04:15 PM

I can't say what you should use, but I can say I put a Crane, grind number H-286-2 and I have some regrets.
While it was described as giving a moderate lope with a good idle, I find it a bit extreme for a daily driver. I installed without degreeing the cam, which may contribute to some of the probs.
I find that it is very difficult to dial in the timing, it either pings and ticks at higher rpms or detonates while under load, uphill etc and does not idle well below 800-900 rpm.
It definitley sounds impressive, and accelerates at warp speed regardless of what speed I'm travelling, you step on it at 90 and it takes off!
Next time I'd take it down a notch tho.

------------------
71 GMC 2500 Custom Camper
71 GMC Suburban 1500 Super Custom
71 Chevrolet 1500 Donor
http://www.able-bravo.com

**MikeB** · 04-01-2002, 09:06 PM

Whatever you do, buy a new cam AND lifters. It's just too much work to take a chance on a used cam. Summit Racing and PAW have some decent house brand cams for less than $80 including lifters. As for cam selection, Harvey Crane once said, "My customers always want more cam than their engines want." And John Lingenfelter says about selecting a street cam, "It's better to err on the conservative side." Finally, make absolutely sure your valve springs can handle the increased lift. If they have a lot of miles on them, test and/or replace them.

------------------
MikeB
69 C-10 Fleetside, mild 383, Dart Iron Eagle 180cc heads, Crane Energizer 266 cam and 1.6 roller rockers, Edelbrock Performer manifold and 600cfm carb, HEI w/ MSD components, 1986 front spindles/disc brakes, Vintage Air in-dash, lowered 2"/3".

Bo · 04-01-2002, 09:23 PM

Mikeb is right buy a new cam and lifters. I just bought a comp 268 but haven't put it together yet in my 454. and I hope it works like 70cst says because I'm still young and dumb and like to tear stuff up. I can't wait to get old and wise!

------------------
'67 Chevy SWB 454/400 under construction covers one city block!

**MikeB** · 04-01-2002, 09:43 PM

I'm old and somewhat wise. Looking back over the years, most mistakes I made were the result of trying to save money. That and over-camming engines!

bigjimzlll · 04-01-2002, 09:48 PM

AMEN

Mike C · 04-01-2002, 10:08 PM

Energizer 266 from Crane. $80 with lifters from Summit or Jegs. It is a little smaller than the Comp 268. I'd stay away from the XE cams. They have fast ramps and make good power, but I don't think the have the long term reliability of slower ramp profiles. The peanut port truck heads aren't worth a penny above 4000 rpm, so the 266 with a peak of 4200 or so is perfect and will idle at 600 rpm. Definitely do an HEI swap if you haven't yet. It makes every other mod that much better!

------------------
70 GMC 3/4 ton Sierra Grande 402/TH400
72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's
64 Corvette Coupe
68 Camaro 'vert TPI & TH700
69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110
72 Datsun 240Z-ol' reliable

REPO1 · 04-01-2002, 10:11 PM

Thanks guys. That is the size I was kinda thinking about. I don't want a high revver, just something with good low end torque. To pull a car trailer and such.

**MikeB** · 04-02-2002, 10:10 AM

Mike C -- I've always wondered how Comp Cams achieved that high lift-to-duration ratio without putting a ton of wear on the lobes. Maybe they haven't! If the stock 402's exhaust port flows less than 75% of the intake, REPO1 may want to use a dual pattern cam, like a Summit 208/218 for $73.95 with lifters or an Edelbrock 2162 Performer Plus kit (218/228) for $112.95.

------------------
MikeB
69 C-10 Fleetside, mild 383, Dart Iron Eagle 180cc heads, Crane Energizer 266 cam and 1.6 roller rockers, Edelbrock Performer manifold and 600cfm carb, HEI w/ MSD components, 1986 front spindles/disc brakes, Vintage Air in-dash, lowered 2"/3".

Mike C · 04-02-2002, 09:19 PM

The exhausts on the peanut port heads is OK, it's the intake that's bottlenecked. Typically Chevys have good exhaust and mediocre intakes. I prefer single pattern cams myself.

03-31-2002, 11:37 PM	#1
REPO1 Shortbox wanna-be. Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Fort St.John, British Columbia, Canada Posts: 773	402 Cams? What works well in these engines? Hey guys, The swap meet is coming up here in a few weeks. Thought I might try and find a little bit larger cam to stick in this truck to give it a bit more power. I don't want anything crazy, but something with some fairly decent low-mid range power. The stock one cannot be helping that much. Any thoughts on this? What duration/lift should I be watching for? Thanks! Reid ------------------ Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Canada 1970 Chevy C20 Custom Camper #s matching 402BB Turbo 400 trans. Air conditioning, power steering, manual brakes. 73,600 Original Miles!! __________________ 1970 Chevy C20 Custom Camper 402BB Turbo 400 trans. (Slowly becoming a '70 shortbox 1/2 ton) '71 Camaro SS 402/T400 resto '97 Z28 (11.41@127MPH)

03-31-2002, 11:55 PM	#2
barn9 Half a bubble off! Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Winfield, Ks, USA Posts: 5,588	Have you considered changing over to HEI and a set of headers before changing the cam? Those 2 changes made a nice difference in my 402. The f*dboys all head for their hidey holes when they see my truck comin' down the street, he-hee. ------------------[]'71 Cheyenne, 402BB[]Winfield, KS[] http://barn9.freeservers.com[*] steer50@hotmail.com __________________ Just call me LB. '71 Cheyenne, 402BB, hauls blondes, brunettes, or redheads.

04-01-2002, 12:13 AM	#3
REPO1 Shortbox wanna-be. Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Fort St.John, British Columbia, Canada Posts: 773	Actually, its getting the HEI in a few days. As for the exhaust, I think I am going to keep the stock manifolds, and get a new dual setup that is quite a bit larger. I really don't want o get headers very badly. These stock manifolds fit so nice. I was thinking of a cam, intake, and a new carb. (HEI also) __________________ 1970 Chevy C20 Custom Camper 402BB Turbo 400 trans. (Slowly becoming a '70 shortbox 1/2 ton) '71 Camaro SS 402/T400 resto '97 Z28 (11.41@127MPH)

04-01-2002, 12:21 AM	#4
barn9 Half a bubble off! Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Winfield, Ks, USA Posts: 5,588	I really like the difference the HEI made, you'll definately notice an improvement. The duals will help too! I went to the headers 'cause both originals developed cracks, and I decided if I was going to change them, I might as well gain a few horses while at it. Don't forget that H pipe when putting on the duals, it's the only way to go. ------------------[]'71 Cheyenne, 402BB[]Winfield, KS[] http://barn9.freeservers.com[] steer50@hotmail.com __________________ Just call me LB. '71 Cheyenne, 402BB, hauls blondes, brunettes, or redheads.

04-01-2002, 07:27 AM	#5
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,373	Hey REPO1...I will have a Comp Cam Series XE268H-10 for sale in about 1-2 weeks. Its about a year old. It's only got about 500 miles on it. Part # 11-242-3. It's a low to mid reange Cam but works best with an aftermarket Stall Converter.. In my old age I like the factory converter better because it's a smoother shifing unit. Price...I'll sale it for more than 1/2 off list. I have a new Comp Cam on order (262 Series) which is a little tamer. The 268 has got a definite lope to it. Comp told me this Cam is on the ragged edge of working with the factory converter. I think it's beyond the edge. Great sound and good low to mid range but as I said a litttle to wild for me. My trucks has a 402BB with 400 auto. Regards, Dewayne 70cst [This message has been edited by 70cst (edited April 01, 2002) [This message has been edited by 70cst (edited April 01, 2002).] __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

04-01-2002, 04:15 PM	#6
Spoof Registered User Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Victoria,BC, Canada Posts: 1,300	I can't say what you should use, but I can say I put a Crane, grind number H-286-2 and I have some regrets. While it was described as giving a moderate lope with a good idle, I find it a bit extreme for a daily driver. I installed without degreeing the cam, which may contribute to some of the probs. I find that it is very difficult to dial in the timing, it either pings and ticks at higher rpms or detonates while under load, uphill etc and does not idle well below 800-900 rpm. It definitley sounds impressive, and accelerates at warp speed regardless of what speed I'm travelling, you step on it at 90 and it takes off! Next time I'd take it down a notch tho. ------------------ 71 GMC 2500 Custom Camper 71 GMC Suburban 1500 Super Custom 71 Chevrolet 1500 Donor http://www.able-bravo.com __________________ 71 GMC 1500 LWB

04-01-2002, 09:06 PM	#7
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,599	Whatever you do, buy a new cam AND lifters. It's just too much work to take a chance on a used cam. Summit Racing and PAW have some decent house brand cams for less than $80 including lifters. As for cam selection, Harvey Crane once said, "My customers always want more cam than their engines want." And John Lingenfelter says about selecting a street cam, "It's better to err on the conservative side." Finally, make absolutely sure your valve springs can handle the increased lift. If they have a lot of miles on them, test and/or replace them. ------------------ MikeB 69 C-10 Fleetside, mild 383, Dart Iron Eagle 180cc heads, Crane Energizer 266 cam and 1.6 roller rockers, Edelbrock Performer manifold and 600cfm carb, HEI w/ MSD components, 1986 front spindles/disc brakes, Vintage Air in-dash, lowered 2"/3". __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

04-01-2002, 09:23 PM	#8
Bo We Sell Truck Parts Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Greenville,Texas Posts: 421	Mikeb is right buy a new cam and lifters. I just bought a comp 268 but haven't put it together yet in my 454. and I hope it works like 70cst says because I'm still young and dumb and like to tear stuff up. I can't wait to get old and wise! ------------------ '67 Chevy SWB 454/400 under construction covers one city block! __________________ '67 Chevy SWB 454/400 '97 Chevy Tahoe 4x4 '62 MG Midget

04-01-2002, 09:43 PM	#9
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,599	I'm old and somewhat wise. Looking back over the years, most mistakes I made were the result of trying to save money. That and over-camming engines! __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

04-01-2002, 09:48 PM	#10
bigjimzlll Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Redding,CA...USA Posts: 4,736	AMEN __________________ It's called "drag racing" if they called it "tic..tic..WHAM!..BANG! F*&K!!!", they'd have to keep the magazines under the counter with the other men's publications click the clicky to join the site.... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php 67 lwb..first hotrod in 25 years..540 best ET is 9.45 @ 141.44 Anderson,CA

04-01-2002, 10:08 PM	#11
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,728	Energizer 266 from Crane. $80 with lifters from Summit or Jegs. It is a little smaller than the Comp 268. I'd stay away from the XE cams. They have fast ramps and make good power, but I don't think the have the long term reliability of slower ramp profiles. The peanut port truck heads aren't worth a penny above 4000 rpm, so the 266 with a peak of 4200 or so is perfect and will idle at 600 rpm. Definitely do an HEI swap if you haven't yet. It makes every other mod that much better! ------------------ 70 GMC 3/4 ton Sierra Grande 402/TH400 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert TPI & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 72 Datsun 240Z-ol' reliable __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

04-01-2002, 10:11 PM	#12
REPO1 Shortbox wanna-be. Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Fort St.John, British Columbia, Canada Posts: 773	Thanks guys. That is the size I was kinda thinking about. I don't want a high revver, just something with good low end torque. To pull a car trailer and such. __________________ 1970 Chevy C20 Custom Camper 402BB Turbo 400 trans. (Slowly becoming a '70 shortbox 1/2 ton) '71 Camaro SS 402/T400 resto '97 Z28 (11.41@127MPH)

04-02-2002, 10:10 AM	#13
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,599	Mike C -- I've always wondered how Comp Cams achieved that high lift-to-duration ratio without putting a ton of wear on the lobes. Maybe they haven't! If the stock 402's exhaust port flows less than 75% of the intake, REPO1 may want to use a dual pattern cam, like a Summit 208/218 for $73.95 with lifters or an Edelbrock 2162 Performer Plus kit (218/228) for $112.95. ------------------ MikeB 69 C-10 Fleetside, mild 383, Dart Iron Eagle 180cc heads, Crane Energizer 266 cam and 1.6 roller rockers, Edelbrock Performer manifold and 600cfm carb, HEI w/ MSD components, 1986 front spindles/disc brakes, Vintage Air in-dash, lowered 2"/3". __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

04-02-2002, 09:19 PM	#14
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,728	The exhausts on the peanut port heads is OK, it's the intake that's bottlenecked. Typically Chevys have good exhaust and mediocre intakes. I prefer single pattern cams myself. __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax



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