I'm in the planning stages of an engine for Jill's 69SS and trying to pick a cam for it while not having all the details nailed down. Here's what I know for a fact so far...

'69 Chevelle SS
402 cubic inch BBC that will be bored more than likely .060
Pistons will be forged and will be selected to achieve 9.0-9.75 to 1 compression ratio (this can change to accommodate the rest of the combo)
Turbo 400 Transmission with the (for now) stock converter (this can easily change right now if it's mandated by the cam choice)
3.31 12 bolt posi
28 inch tall tire
closed chamber oval port iron heads (probably stock valve size with a little porting and polishing)
91 octane gas :(
Edelbrock Performer manifold (it came with the motor) and probably a Holley 3310 on top
Headers to flowmasters, 2.5 inch exhaust
Power brakes

The goal for this engine is to be a very aggressive street car with a lumpy idle and a lot of power thru the entire rpm range. If a sacrifice had to made on the low or high rpm side I think it would be better to give up something on the top end rather than compromise drivability on the bottom.

I have a Comp Cams XE274H in my 66SS396 now and like the power but it's a noisy thing and I worry all the time about lobe failure. Plus it's a 5 speed so there are less idle and no converter issues. I want to definately use one of Harold/Lunati's cams. I would like to find something similar to the XE274H but at the same time want to stay away from that brand.

Thanks, Lance

P.S. Here's a chance to build an engine around a cam instead of the other way around smile.gif

Use the UD/Lunati 280/288 hyd cam. I believe it's 223/231 dur @.050 lift and lift is .525/.550. Ask BB Mike if it runs in a 402. 12.50 1/4 mile.

I second the 280/288 Lunati/old UD grind..works well in my combo graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Remember with 3.31s and a stock convertor you must stay on the mild side also I would run a Q-jet. On a mild 396 with an auto there is nothing better.

Bullet cams (ask for John)

I'd go with a Comp Cams 282 solid flat tappet. It should work well in a 396 big block, O-Port heads and stock valves...it's also well matched to the compression ratio you mentioned. It should supply the lumpy idle quality that you are after.

Von/Chris,
Thanks that has definately been one of the ones I've been thinking about. Mostly was wondering if there was something new from Harold?

Mike,
The stock converter is more than likely NOT going to be going back in the car. And whether good or bad I'm kind of a Holley man. If I started running Q-jets I'd have to accumulate an entire new collection of parts and learn how to get the most out of them. I have a Holley for it already so I think that's the direction I'm going carb wise. But definately thank you for the input.

Stingray454 (name?),
I want to stick with a hydraulic cam. I left that out of the original post graemlins/clonk.gif and I want to stay away from the Comp Cams.

Thanks for the input guys and to the others out there... keep the ideas coming.

P.S. If you guys had to choose what brand and what stall converter would you run?

Lance

lance, for your convertor check out A-1 transmission in canoga park. They build them and have a good reputation.

Von/Chris,

The Lunati website says for the 280/288 hyd cam:

Lope at idle, needs 2400 SS converter, headers recommended. Canister may be needed for brakes. Strong power 2000 to 6000.

You guys have any problems with your power brakes?

Lance

Lance,no problems with my power brakes..

http://www.iskycams.com/productdisplay.php?sku=1952&hdwt=31101&loc=101&dealer=no

thats the one i will be putting in seems like a nice quick cam.

278/278
240 @ 050
108 lsa
.53 lift

Or it's one step smaller brother the 266 Mega cam at 266/228 108/?, .520" gross lift b/c being on a 108 LCA, it should talk to you BUT it should run like a mild hy-po daily driver cam to keep the wife HAPPY, imho..

Otherwise that Isky 278 solid will be just about right on for your driving!!

pdq67.

The 280/288 is fine but if you keep the compression at 9.5 or less I think the Lunati 276/286 would be perfect.

Yes, Harold's cams are good ones too!!

pdq67

Von and Mr. 4 Speed are right on!

Go with the UD/Lunati/280/288 Hydraulic cam ground on a 110 LSA......awesome.

Charles

PDQ67
I'm the wife and I just want you to know I DON'T want something tame! So when you suggest a Cam don't be thinkin I am some mousy housewife that doesn't know how to handle some power! No offence, don't mean to be ungrateful for your input. Need to put those ricers in their place :D you know behind me :D Too many of them out here in So Cal. Help me make it fast graemlins/thumbsup.gif
Jill

Originally posted by BBblondie:
Help me make it fast graemlins/thumbsup.gif
Jill I love it smile.gif
Jill and Lance,I would go with the afore mentioned Lunati 280/288 cam
A typical domed closed chamber 402 piston has a .180 dome..with a closed chamber head and that size dome,you'll be right on target for your compression goal,probably closer to or right at 9.75 to 1
For a convertor,I use the B&M 2400 Holeshot.seems to be a good match for this combo,and it flashes to 2800 which is a good thing..for an off the shelf unit,I'm happy with it considering the price.It will probably stall less with a 402,but not much.With 3.31 gears,you'll be in the easy low 13's,and high 12's with tuning and traction.If that makes you happy,then those are the parts you need.Other pluses are the intake and the 3310,which is what I run as well..and you might want to use an open 1" spacer..kinda turns the 'ole Performer into a "poor man's RPM intake" ;) :D
I will have data on the mod next time out to the track.