A Cam question

[AD51]

What kind of sound would this cam have at idle??

Cam Style Hydraulic flat tappet
Basic Operating RPM Range 2,500-6,800
Intake Duration at 050 inch Lift 234
Exhaust Duration at 050 inch Lift 234
Duration at 050 inch Lift 234 int./234 exh.
Advertised Intake Duration 278
Advertised Exhaust Duration 278
Advertised Duration 278 int./278 exh.
Intake Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio 0.450 in.
Exhaust Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio 0.450
Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio 0.450 int./0.450 exh.
Lobe Separation (degrees) 106

Grind Number 278 Mega

[Speedbumpauto]

OK, I'll bite. It would be lumpy with that tight lobe separation and 234 @ .050
Not radical but might want a little looser converter if going in an automatic. A little might depend on where the manufacturer, or you, put the intake center line during installation. Also, the bigger the engine, the more mild the cam will act.

[AD51]

Thanks Speedbump... I know we dont choose a cam based on sound in the perfect world of engine building, but honestly I'm not after a "fast" motor in this application just something that sounds kinda "old school"

If I may ask, what do any of you think about this one as well?

RPM Range 1800 - 6500
Duration @ .050 Lift 224 / 234 deg int/exh
Valve Lift .465 in / .488 in int/exh
Lobe Separation 112 deg
Advance 5 deg

[Red Foreman]

I would go your 2nd option, its a little tamer & believe me you would be better off with more torque= better drivability.

[AD51]

Thanks Red Foreman, How do you think the second option would sound in a 305

[Red Foreman]

It would be a nice camshaft with lope at idle in a 305 but I would still go one stage smaller depending on what you expect from your engine. I have built my fair share of sbc's & ran larger than needed camshafts only to go back change it out for a smaller less aggressive profile.

[Speedbumpauto]

Who doesn't select cams because of the idle??? You're talking to the wrong guy. I build hot rods and they need to sound like hot rods! I'll give up a little on the bottom for the sound at the cruise in. Just be aware of some tweaking you might need to do, like the converter. My 27 roadster has a small block Ford with a solid roller and 243 @ .050 and a tunnel ram with two 390 Holleys on top of that....and it works in an automatic...the solid thing is because I got so tired of these Ford guys with their Cobra valve covers and those pukey hydraulic cams. If it says Cobra, it should sound like Cobra. The 55 PU I'm building now has a 505 BBC with a Comp Big Mutha Thumper roller and a tunnel ram with 2 Fast Throttle bodies. It sound pretty sweet on the test stand and I can't wait to do the first cruise. IMO, go for it and use the 1st one and put the ICL at 104-106 degrees. That will give back a little bottom but won't wipe the smile off your face. Life is too short for a girlie cam!

[Red Foreman]

Originally Posted by AD51

Thanks Red Foreman, How do you think the second option would sound in a 305

Sorry AD51, I made mistake of recommending a camshaft without asking about the rest of your engine components, driveline & what you plan on using your truck for??

I for one don't select camshafts on how they sound, I select them on HP/TQ & matching them too the rest of the engine components, driveline & vehicle.

I guess I'm getting more conservative with age! "I like girlie cams"

[AD51]

I have a stock 305 with the exception of being bored .040 over. I am guilty of the same as Speedbump. I like the thump. I'll be running a 350 trans 3:42 gear. Truck will be used for occasional driving. But I still want to make the best choice for all around use. I have learned that small sacrifices (like cam sound) pay off in the long run.