hi guys, i'd like to get your input on my new upcoming setup, which me & the pops will get running in about 4 weeks (working on weekends)

i bought this 454 off of eBay for my '72 SS that originally had a 402 in it. it wasn't a pleasant experience, and honestly, i don't think this guy should be considered a reputable engine builder - however, i've now set aside some money and want to redo this thing right, so here's what we're going with:

.30 over 454 4 bolt main
domed pistons (haven't decided what brand, but compression will be ~10.5:1, forged of course)
stock 1972 SS oval port heads (they came on the 402) with:
3 angle valve job
bigger valves - i think we'll go 2.19/1.88
gasket match (of course)
weiand stealth intake
street demon 850 carb
steel crank
forged rods

however, we will probably replace the cam - it's a Comp hyd. roller, .566 lift i/e & 224 deg. duration i/e.

do you guys suggest keeping this cam, or replacing it?

my current setup had this same cam, but with MONSTROUS rectangular port GM heads with 2.25/1.88 valves :eek: clearly a mismatched combo.

what are your thoughts? thanks in advance.

-Chris

Our combo's are very much alike . I will be racing mine on weekends in Sealy and after many posts and much discussion I have decided on the Comp cams XE-294H. The specs are located in the link below graemlins/waving.gif

http://www.compcams.com/Technical/Catalogs/106-03/HTML/172-195.html

Stall, gears, intended use????

I'm not a cam guru at all but your combo is kinda like mine, but mine is bored a little more at .100 over and has a larger crank and valves (2.25/1.88) on 320cc rect port heads, I have the XE284 though, one lower than the 294, the idle is very rough and choppy, haven't driven it yet though, but it sounds very strong smile.gif

3500 stall, 3.90 gears, not a daily driver, but also not a full out race car.