FWIW, I think the 180 HP engines that had the 6x-8s used a single pattern cam from the factory.
[email protected]” on both the intake and exhaust. 107.5 LSA, 105 intake and 110 exhaust, .365” lift. Introduced in 77 and used in all the 6x-8 engines through the end of the production run. For certain, was engineered for brute low end torque to pull those highway gears, plus fuel economy. The 066 cam was pretty close to the original cam in my higher hp 77 400 with 6x-4s. But the higher hp engines had the cam retarded about 5 degrees from the factory for top end power for 20 hp difference between the 6x-8 engines and the 6x-4.
Lol, if Pontiac would have did a cam like a summit 2800 in the 6x-8 engine with full dual exh and 3.42s they would have had no trouble outrunning the 6x-4 w72 engines. 77s we’re really held back by their crappy single car though. I lost count of all the engines I have used that 204,214 cam grind in. Still have multiple engines with them, no Pontiacs. 300 Ford, 397 cid Windsor 351 stroker, 360 dodge, and a 440 dodge. Have the bigger 214/224 in a 455 yet. I loved my high school ride and the 214/224 in a little 318 mopar with headers, 8.5 compression,2200 stall and 3.23s. Ran Low to mid 15s, shifted at 5500 in a 3800 lb car. Even turbo charge on 318 and dropped the compression down into the 7s, it pulled the car fine when not on boost. It isn’t a big cam either. I agree with Skip, if my little low compression 318 can absorb that 2801 grind cam, 7s compression 400 won’t have any issue either. Just to be honest though, it really wasn’t a up grade e.t wise from the smaller 204/214 on any of the low compression engine I did and took to the track. Big enough cam it like headers.
Sounds to me for what the car is used for the 2800 cam and the 6x-8s would be just fine. I know of someone looking to sell their fresh 66 tripower 4 speed coded 389 though if you want to go back to stock looking coolness.
. That era engine just has date codes and engine ID stamps, I don’t think it had vin stamping as for original cars, not until 67 anyway.