Hi all,

I'm getting close to dropping the block off at the machine shop and wanted to try and finalize my cam choice. I am building a mild 454 (+.030) with '290 closed chamber heads and FTs. I have semi-decided on one of two cams and would like your thoughts...cam #1: 272/272, 216/216, .515/.515 the other would be something like 276/286, 221/230/.515/.515. I know cam questions have been done to death here, but I would appreciate any comments. The earlier posts I've read have had favorable comments to both of these grinds, but how do they compare against one another? Thanks!


Chevyrelic

I would personally go with the 276/286

Thanks Chris. In your opinion will there be a noticeable difference between these two cams? [If so, I may have a Crane 272 for sale since I already bought it and had the matching springs installed on the heads :( ]. Anyway, even though I keep telling myself that this is a mild motor, I don't want it to get outrun by my neighbors 289 Mustang. I just remember someone on TC that said the Crane 272 ran pretty well, but I can't remember who it was....geesh, the mind is the first thing to go.

'relic

You should figure out the CR and go from there. There is some info on my site (in my sig) that might be helpful.

Well the Crane is 216 @ .050 and the UD/Lunati is 221/230..you can use the same springs too.If you already have the Crane 216,I would use it,but the bigger 221/230 will make some more torque/hp..how much,I do not know..but it would have more midrange and rev slightly higher too.I think the Crane is a 110 LSA and the UD is 112 LSA..they probably would idle about the same.

I would consider a change to more compression. I built basically the same motor as you a long time ago. The thing is a stone even in a Corvette with 3.55s and a 4spd. I have tried different cams (all mild) and it really doesn't make much difference. Sure it will run fine on 87oct but it is not worth it.

Mike,

Define "stone". I have a 408 with 290 closed chambers, 286 hyd flat tappet, 3.73's w/ 3000 stall in a '69 Chevelle. Haven't ran it for ET, but as far as being a potent driver, the car has a lot of power at any throttle position. The disapointment I have experienced with 454 motors is the lack of top end - not by fault of the motor, but by fault of the entire engine combo. I think a 454 is just as easliy undercammed as compared to overcamming a 396 motor.

I ran the Crane 272H in a stock 454 w/flattops and 781's with an M20 and 3.31's years back..including exhaust manifolds and the stock low rise cast iron intake..with a qjet too.Had plenty of torque..I remember I took off the secondary rod link,and tightened up the air valve..when the secondaries opened,it would burn the tires in 1st and 2nd gear.then catch rubber on every upshift too if you where on the gas.Never had it at the track,just a fun driver.Always wondered what headers,intake and closed chambered heads would do for it.I think flat tops and closed chamber heads are a great,cheap combo w/a 454..and 221/230 cam would be perfect.

Originally posted by mr 4 speed:
I would personally go with the 276/286 "DITTO"

I went to the 280/288 because of compression issues but I started with the 276/286. With flat tops you would be just right I believe. I ran the same et with both cams but with my compression at 10.2 static detonation was a problem when running the 276/286. It has a nice lopey idle but plenty of vacumn.

I've kept it though and will use it in another motor at some point in time.