[erikgto]

To be precise, I have a '68 GTO coupe with a '70 GTO "WT" 4 speed block that's been bored 0.40 with the original #12 heads, mated to a Mucie wide ratio 4 speed and a 3.23 or 3.55 Safe-T-Track rear. The engine still has the original intake, carb, ignition (going HEI now) and exhaust manifolds.

Before I pulled the engine it ran ok, no misfires, no oil or other smoke out the tailpipes...
I only found it to be very lame below 4.000 rpm. It kinda disapointed me I did find out that the distribution chain was sloppy (quite a bit of play there) and the ignition wasn't new either. I don't have a clue about the cam that's in there right now.

So along with a new chain, oilpump, and engine gasket set, I want to change the cam and lifters.
What's really important to me is torque! Especially low and mid range torque!! (BTW a 455 is out of the question even if it has the best torque, so I'll have to stick to the 400)
I don't dragrace this car, it's a driver and that means that most of the driving will be in the 1.500 - 4.000 RPM range. I have no intentions of pushing it over 5.000 RPM so I don't want a cam that works between say 3.500 - 6.000 RPM.

Which cam would be the best?
My local speedshop deals with Crane Cams and I was thinking about the Max Velocity HMV272-2-NC or the Fireball II 290H and I'm leaning towards the first one...
But really I'm choosing cams based on paperwork and I'd rather hear from you guys what you've used and what works best in your experience

Any input would really be appreciated.

[erikgto]

To be precise, I have a '68 GTO coupe with a '70 GTO "WT" 4 speed block that's been bored 0.40 with the original #12 heads, mated to a Mucie wide ratio 4 speed and a 3.23 or 3.55 Safe-T-Track rear. The engine still has the original intake, carb, ignition (going HEI now) and exhaust manifolds.

Before I pulled the engine it ran ok, no misfires, no oil or other smoke out the tailpipes...
I only found it to be very lame below 4.000 rpm. It kinda disapointed me I did find out that the distribution chain was sloppy (quite a bit of play there) and the ignition wasn't new either. I don't have a clue about the cam that's in there right now.

So along with a new chain, oilpump, and engine gasket set, I want to change the cam and lifters.
What's really important to me is torque! Especially low and mid range torque!! (BTW a 455 is out of the question even if it has the best torque, so I'll have to stick to the 400)
I don't dragrace this car, it's a driver and that means that most of the driving will be in the 1.500 - 4.000 RPM range. I have no intentions of pushing it over 5.000 RPM so I don't want a cam that works between say 3.500 - 6.000 RPM.

Which cam would be the best?
My local speedshop deals with Crane Cams and I was thinking about the Max Velocity HMV272-2-NC or the Fireball II 290H and I'm leaning towards the first one...
But really I'm choosing cams based on paperwork and I'd rather hear from you guys what you've used and what works best in your experience

Any input would really be appreciated.

[dfektive4]

I searched the forums, read specs and played with computer dyno programs. I finally settled on the Summit 2801 cam. The price was great and it has a ton of torque. The goals of my 400 4 speed 75 TA was an occasional driver that wouldn't be revved past 5500 and would be capable of driving in traffic with ac. I am installing a 3.23:1 limited slip rear axle as soon as I get it from the shop. There are a lot of other cam makers that have good grinds but this one fit my requirements and budget. Hope this helps. P.S. The 2801 cam has been discussed sevral times you can search for it for more info.

[Hot Rod Ken]

I have a comp 268H in my 389 and it pulls hard from idle to 5000 rpm ,but thats with an auto not a stick,and a 308 rear.I think with a 4 gear you would like a 270M.

[krisr]

I run the Lunati 00071 and I am quite happy with it. Its in a 389 + 0.040. I ran stock exhaust logs, a P4B intake, stock 092 heads and it made near 220HP at the wheels and 280 FtLbs.... with that setup..

I run a 5speed box and 3.5 gears at the back so down low and off the line its fun.

[erikgto]

Now the summit 2801 looks pretty much the same as the crane cam I was looking at!
It's good to see that many people like it
Now the only other thing I'm worried about is my stock valvetrain. I've read quite a few posts on the forum and some say the stock stuff will do others say it definitely doesn't!

What's up? Do I need to change things to my stock #12 heads? And if so what needs to be changed?

[Thumpin455_GTO]

if you dont mind swapping springs the comp 995's work good even with small cams. Other than that, you can run some roller or roller tip rockers and the rest should work. While its apart I would suggest upgrading the locks and retainers as well.

[pontiac6269]

As far as valve train goes I would switch to 7/16 screw in studs and poly locks. Then your valve train is adjustable. I have the 2801 in my 400 in my 62 Grand Prix and it runs 13.70s with 2.73 gears.

Eric

[erikgto]

Eric,

Do you have any manufacturer/part numbers of the screw in studs and poly locks you've used?
And did you get new valve springs to go with that 2801 cam?
(Btw what about Crane koolnuts?)

Seriously, I want to order the 2801, but I need to get all the right parts at the same time so I can order everything at once. Otherwise it'll take too much time (and money)to get the job done properly.
I'm no expert on this and there aren't too many experts on Pontiac engines over here in Holland....

Thanks again, Erik

[dfektive4]

I used the ARP 7/16 studs #ARP-134-7104, Crane Cool Nuts #CRN-99769-16 Crane valvw springs #CRN-99840-16 and the Competition Cams 1.5 roller tip rockers # CCA-1451-16. These are Summit Racing Equipment part numbers. As far as any other modification you might want to enlarge your pushrod holes in the head to accomodate the higher lift cam.