Estimating Cam Specs

651 Views 5 Replies 4 Participants Last post by d1_bradley, Sep 28, 2009

SSuper Dave

Discussion Starter · Sep 27, 2009

I acquired a fresh shortblock that I have used in my car, and would like to know if there is a way to estimate cam specs from other information. There were no markings on the end of the cam, which is a flat tappet hydraulic. It idles around 950 rpms with 15 degrees of initial timing and only pulls 8 in/hg at idle. It sounds pretty rowdy and pulls against a 2,200 stall converter to the point where I think I'm going to have to get one with more stall. Its a .030 over 454 with flattops and '68 closed chamber heads, compression is around an actual 10.1. I'm not goint to pull valve covers off a perfectly detailed engine, but wonder if there is a way to ballpark estimate specs based on this info. If I am going to replace the converter, I'd like to get it right on the next try. I was told it was around .540, aint' no way this is true based on other big blocks that I've owned. All advice appreciated.

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mr 4 speed

· #2 · Sep 27, 2009

SSuper Dave said:
I acquired a fresh shortblock that I have used in my car, and would like to know if there is a way to estimate cam specs from other information. There were no markings on the end of the cam, which is a flat tappet hydraulic. It idles around 950 rpms with 15 degrees of initial timing and only pulls 8 in/hg at idle. It sounds pretty rowdy and pulls against a 2,200 stall converter to the point where I think I'm going to have to get one with more stall. Its a .030 over 454 with flattops and '68 closed chamber heads, compression is around an actual 10.1. I'm not goint to pull valve covers off a perfectly detailed engine, but wonder if there is a way to ballpark estimate specs based on this info. If I am going to replace the converter, I'd like to get it right on the next try. I was told it was around .540, aint' no way this is true based on other big blocks that I've owned. All advice appreciated.

why can't it be .540 lift ?
My friends 69 SS has a Summit 238/248 @.050 cam thats .540 lift and it has a pretty rowdy idle.
For a convertor,a 10" 3000-3200 would be good IMHO

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mr 4 speed

· #5 · Sep 28, 2009

SSuper Dave said:
Can you get a 3,000 stall converter for lockup 2004R?

Dave,check with these guys as they specialize in 2004R trannies:
www.ckperformance.com

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