[Cliff R]

I'd go with the larger cam. A 2801 works very good in a 400 engine around 9.5 to 1 compression, the larger 455 at the same compression ratio will like about 10 degrees more duration.

We also have to keep in mind here that a larger cam tends to make the engine more pump gas friendly.

FWIW, if I were building the same engine here, it would get a RAIV sized cam, a set of Rhoad's lifters, and high ratio rockers. I'd also be tempted to put one of Ace's Wolverine 5059 clones in it, but since we quit using flat cams here quite some time ago, we haven't tried any of the newer offerings. I'd also cut the heads just a tad and put the compression closer to 10 to 1......Cliff

[pete315]

Interesting, a larger cam will make car more pump gas friendly. I'm going with the 2802. Thanks to everyone for their advise. I'll let you guys know the results when I get it running.

[pete315]

just picked up the heads today. guy installed a new set of Comp 901-16 springs. Told me anything under 500 lift should be fine. I'm going to order the Summit 2802 cam. All I need to get now is a set of lifters and pushrods. I'm assuming I have to get the factory length pushrod. Am I correct? Is there a better brand of lifter? I'm using stock Pontiac studs. I'm not going to use the adjustable Chevy studs. I just want to torque down the rocker nuts and be done.