And the survey said: 185 posts.
This is a very popular thread. And to me, it's real similar to some of the "which alum heads are better" threads. It seems to depend on who you ask. If you say the steep ramp cams are not too good for a 455, somebody will come on telling how great their engine runs with an XE cam. And if you say Rhoads lifters work good, somebody comes on telling of their bad experience with 'em.
One will say rollers are better in most all situations. Another will say that certain flat tappet hyd are almost as good as a very popular roller. And on and on it goes.
So I wonder if some of you guys who really know what's going on, can agree on at least some basic guidelines for 455 cam specs.
Since this is the street section, lets assume 9-9.5CR, with unported iron heads, 3600lb car, 3-speed auto, stock converter, 3.08-3.23 gears.
Advertised duration: The steep ramps advertise 256 & 262 for their smaller cams. The 041 is sometimes said to have 308/320. So, for the combo mentioned, what advertised would be considered too low and might cause detonation? And how much would be considered too high, for 9.5 CR ?
Dur @ .050 lift: The smaller cams are in the 2teens. The 041 is around 231/240. So, what would be the best range for this app, to give a good idle, plenty of vac, and decent power to 5000rpm ?
LSA: I've read everything from about 106 to 115. Again, for good idle and vac, narrow the desirable range down some. 110-112 ? 112-114 ? or ?
Lift: .407-.525 What's a good range, for good performance, without high spring pressures ? .425-.475 ? .450-.500 ? or ?
Now--with your answers to those questions, list some shelf cams which you would recommend, which fall into this category. This is to help those who are trying to decide on a cam for their engine, to narrow their possible choices.
I'll go 1st, whether I'm right or wrong. I personally consider the 068, with 1.5 rockers just too small for a 455. So, the smallest combo I'd consider is an 068, with 1.65 rockers. But, since the Summit 2801 is basically a high lift version of the 068, I'll make it my #1 choice for the smallest cam I'd use. My choice for the next larger size is the Summit 2802. Then I'll go with the Crower 60243. And, of course, the cam I'd actually use in my 455 would be the 041 grind, with Rhoads lifters. I can see no reason to go with a cam any larger, for this app. Again, I'm not talkin about max hp, or lowest ET, but a good, highly streetable pump gas HFT cam for the app mentioned.
So, let's see what you guys recommend. No special custom grinds, just name brand cams that a guy can order online, from somebody's shelf.
