Cam advice

[David C.]

Awhile back I asked for the recommended hydraulic cam that I should use in my stock 1957 250 HP fuel injected engine. At that time Duke recommended the OEM #3896929. I presently have the engine at the machine shop and their thinking is to go with a Melling #22213 which has the following specs:

214 int & exh @.050
288 int & exh adv duration
443 int & exh lift

It is not too late to get the #3896929 cam, what do you think??

Thanks

Dave

[Duke W.]

Re: Cam advice

Do you want to "restore" your engine or turn it into a hot rod engine?

Read the "Tale of Two Camshafts" article in the fall 2010 Corvette Restorer. Even if you don't stroke it you will get about about the same top end power at the same mean piston speed if you massage the heads and use the McCaw Special camshaft, which means it will want to rev to at least 6000 before the power fades. Don't forget to get better connecting rods. If you don't want to massage the heads, use the ...929 cam - CS274 from NAPA.

Installing a longer duration, higher overlap aftermarket cam will just screw up the idle and reduce low end torque, and it probably wouldn't pass a PV.

Do they also want to "lower" the compression ratio. If so, gather your parts and run like hell.

Get a hold of Mike McCagh and talk to him.

Duke

[David C.]

Re: Cam advice

Duke,

Thank you for the advice.

Dave