[72LuxuryLeMansLa.]

Originally Posted by cfd2bc

Hello. I currently have a 68 265HP 350 with 17 heads (8.6:1 CR) with a TH350 in my 66 Lemans. It has a Holley 600, HEI, headers and flowmasters. So pretty much a stock engine with a few add ons. It runs OK but I'm looking for a little more.

I have an opportunity to pick up (cheaply I might add) a stock 69 290HP 400 with 46 heads (10:1CR). It already has a Pontiac 4bbl intake on it. I know the guy that has it and he says its a good engine

Questions:
With that CR on the 400 will I have trouble with pump gas?
I want to swap in a 2801 cam. Good choice? Will that help with the pump gas thing?
Probably would do a 2500 stall with the 2801.

Thanks for your help
Jeff

I'm no expert so these are just my opinions not my experiences. I would use the 2802 at least and this may still be close to detonation the 2801 is too small and would build too much cranking compression. Personally I would get the new engine and then swap the heads. If they cc to the specs listed at PDudes website, https://sites.google.com/site/ksmsin...ontiac-head-id
the 17 heads are 72cc and the 46 heads cc at 68cc. A stock 400 with 72cc heads will come in just under 10:1 at 9.96:1scr. With the 2802 this will give you a dcr of 7.32:1 and a cranking compression of about 179psi. This is the highest cranking compression I would want with a stock engine that old and it may be a bit high. If you can rebuild the engine and deck the block or use longer rods/ higher compression height pistons to get close to zero deck then 180psi would be a good thing.

Karl