[SD455DJ]

Ponchomike57,

I had a CC XE274 (230/236/110 @ .490”/,490”) in a ’71 455HO that was completely stock with 8.4 to 1 compression and it was a ‘turd’, especially with the M22/3.31 combo. We swapped it out for a Summit 2801 (214/224/112 @ .444”/.466”). The 2801 was easier, hence quieter, on the valvetrain, idled better and made a ton more off-idle to mid-range torque. The 2801 has longer ramps that help stabilize the valvetrain and not shock it like the XE cams fast opening ramps. That cam in a slightly higher compression 400 wouldn’t be my first choice. I like the 2801 with the 6X4 heads and the 2802 with the #62 heads. Both would run well with RA exhaust manifolds. Forged rods are a great improvement and the Eagle 5140 I-beam rods would be more than adequate for your needs (and a bit cheaper than the H-beams). The 400’s we build usually run the off-the-shelf Icon flat tops (6 cc reliefs or the 14 cc dish). They have the 1/16”/1/16”/3/16” std. ring pack.

We have a 455HO (again all factory stock) with the 2802 cam and it made 430 hp and 535 lb.ft torque through the factory RA exhaust manifolds with 8.6 to 1 compression. It's a monster.

Dennis