I have both cams here and I am trying to decide what to go with. My brain says go with the 286H but my heart say 294s. Here is what I have:

69 Camaro
408 sbc
9.8 comp ratio
5.7 rods
AFR 195's
1.52 full rollers
Air Gap Rpm
750DP
3.73 gears
BTE 9.5 converter 3000/3200FB 3600/3800 flash
TH400
26" tire

I have also yet to pick headers. The dyno shop told me to go at least 1 3/4" for my combo. I also like in CA so 91 pump is what will be in the tank. I figured that with the converter flashing at say 3500 rpm the 294s would make more power than say the 286H with 1 5/8"??

IMHO,
this all depends on what goals you want to achieve with this car.street car go with a 282s or 280h and try and and hook it with good tires at the track.

So, You think the 294s would suffer in performance over the 286H in this application??

My goals for the car are 11.90''s on pump gas.

I don't think there is that much difference between a 286H and a 294S. Solid cams usually need to be 6-8º larger to match up with the performance of a given hydraulic cam. That's not to say solids won't out perform hydraulics (no pumpup problems). Has to do with taking lash into account and at what tappet lift the duration is measured.

Post the full specs for both cams, I/E adv dur, .050" dur, lash for the solid, tappet lift the duration is measured at for both, LSA, valve lift, and recommended ICL.

6D9
I don't mean to get off subject but how do you like that torque convertor? I have been thinking about ordering 9.5 from steve.
I think on your cam to go with 294 and maybe a Super Victor.

Cam specs...

286/286 with 236 at .050 with 490 lift
294/294 with 250 at .050 with 525 lift...lash .22

On the converter, I have yet to get it back. I ordered it last week. They spec'd it out for the 286H.

FWIW my well used 294s measured as follows:

283* at .006 valve lift with .022" lash. 250.5* duration @ .050" valve lift.

With .018" lash it measured 291* at .006" and 251* @ .050" valve lift.

These measurements were made using a 1.6:1 rocker. Usinga stock stamped steel "1.5:1" rocker the cam acted significantly shorter (like 271* @ .006" and 244* @ .050). Actual ratio turned out to be 1.41:1.

I have never measured the 286, but if I had to guess, the 294s should measure smaller on the seat, but larger @ .050 than the 286.

The 294s would be my pick, but could use a little more compression for best performance.

Your setup is similar to mine:
SBC 408
10:44cr
AFR 195
3000ss
6.0 rods
3:73 gear
700R4
1.5 Crane Energizer
Holley 650 dp
1-5/8 headers

I talk to several cam company and finally went with UDHarold 280/284 Solid Cam
280/284F10 .525/.530 Lift, 247/251@.050, 159/162 at .200, .560/.565 valve lift(1.6), Pro-Street power with an extra 5* at .200" 2500-7000 RPM, Advance Cam 4* Degrees as Per Harold, .026" Valve Lash Hot, Adjustment Range: .018" to .030" Hot.
With the AFR heads I dont think you will need a big split (6*-8*) in duration. Just something to think about. Dont forget to drill the steam holes in the head.

Thanks guys, I decided and just ordered a new cam. I went with the xs274. It specs 274/280 with 236/242 at .050 with 501/510 lift. This cam should pump my DCR to about 8 to 1 and make it much more street friendly than the 294s. Plus , if I want to drop back to 3.42's or run an OD type tranny later it will work great.