[242177P]

Originally Posted by TAQuest

2157

Isn't this the same as the first cam?
Like the one on the old receipts??

[pmd400]

I just removed the heads from the 350 that used to be in my firebird before I installed the 455. I found .030 over pistons that were .025 in the hole, 4cc valve reliefs and 93cc heads. I measured the cam at 205/215 at .050, probably the same cam as the 2157. This cam in a 7.6:1 350 with stock converter and 2.73 gears is very docile. Not the right cam for a high compression 400.

[b-man]

My own experience with the 2157 cam in a 400 engine in the post linked below:

https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...1&postcount=22

Note that my 400 had completely stock 6X-4 low compression heads (approximately 8.2:1) with stock log exhaust manifolds and a stock intake. Perfect cam for someone looking for essentially a stock replacement cam.

The 2157 would be a truly poor choice for a performance 400 with Edelbrock heads. A cam with at least 20 more degrees of duration @ .050” (such as the Summit 2802) would be tame and very driveable with excellent street manners yet still take advantage of the high flowing aluminum heads in spirited driving situations.

Good luck with the your engine project.

[NeighborsComplaint]

Like I said about 100 posts ago, Crane 283951 or Summit 2802. Crane has always used the 112 - 114 lobe centers for a more streetable cam.

The cam you picked is really not that radical a cam and should run fine with the rest of the setup right. I run a Crane 234/242 in my 455 TH400 and do not even notice it. It drives like a normal car just as happy at 30mph as at 100. 2500 rpm is the sweet spot for torque.

Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT9QVi6TadI

703/283951/284281 would be similar in a 400.

[chiphead]

Anybody else wanna get off the merry-go round?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2F38hqsAM0

[TAQuest]

OK. Back to reality. My car, my choice. This is the exact combo;

Edelbrock Performer-Plus Camshaft # 2157 is designed for 350-455 Pontiac V8 engines and produce optimum torque from the low-end to the mid-range. Performer-Plus camshafts should be matched with Performer manifolds for vehicles operating from off-idle to 5500 rpm. The Performer-Plus # 2157 is a smooth idling cam for daily drivers, trucks, vans, RVs and 4x4s. You can expect a major improvement in throttle response and torque. In the manifold section you'll find torque graphs showing the power gains from Performer manifolds and Performer-Plus cams. All camshafts include flat tappet lifters (except for cams designed for use with stock roller lifters), assembly lube and instructions.

This cam produced 387HP and 439 Ft Lbs of Torque when paired with Performer intake manifold # 2156 and Performer RPM cylinder heads # 60599.Camshaft specifications:• Intake duration: 204 Degrees • Exhaust duration: 214 Degrees • Intake lift: .420” • Exhaust lift: .442” • Lobe separation: 110 Degree • Intake Center Line: 105 Degree • Vacuum: 15”

[TAQuest]

If I don't like it I will just swap it out again. It's not like I'm marrying a cam. Nice to have the ability and resources to swap a cam out.

[STEELCITYFIREBIRD]

Originally Posted by TAQuest

If I don't like it I will just swap it out again. It's not like I'm marrying a cam. Nice to have the ability and resources to swap a cam out.

You are REmarrying the same cam...

[TAQuest]

Originally Posted by STEELCITYFIREBIRD

You are REmarrying the same cam...

Yes, it is the cam that was in the car when I bought it. The builder that died before he could try it out put the timing chain on two teeth off. I didn't know about the mistake and tuned it the best I could. Drove it for years like that.
Didn't try it out with the timing chain right. I'm going to see what it would have been like for the original builder that died. Put it back where Thomas wanted it and see if I like that.
Thanks for all your supporting comments. It's nice to have the support here. You guys rock! Thanks.

[TAQuest]

Anyone here name their cars? We call this one Thomas and always thank him for passing this car on to us when we start it up. RIP Thomas. Hope you are right there reading this as I type. I hope he liked that wild ride with the big cam. I know my wife and I did. I thought my wife was going to pull a wheelie in 3rd gear. She actually got pulled over for a long burn out at a light back when the timing chain was two teeth off. She's a speed demon and she drives the car more than I do. Loves the 4 speed. I built a '68 for here back in 1987 and she has been hooked on Birds since then. Brings back her youth.

[TAQuest]

Here's a picture of the car. It has functional ram air now. Bought and installed the factory style kit a few years back. Love that sound of air going through the hood.

[STEELCITYFIREBIRD]

I know I have asked more than once with no response....So what rear axle ratio does your car have....first gear ratio of trans?

A list of most shelf stock Pontiac Cams for you;
http://www.pontiacpower.org/PontiacCams.htm

[TAQuest]

Originally Posted by STEELCITYFIREBIRD

I know I have asked more than once with no response....So what rear axle ratio does your car have....first gear ratio of trans?

I posted it, you missed it. No problem.

I installed an Auburn Unit with 3:23 gears. Set it up myself.

The trans is an M21 (2:20 1st gear) that I rebuilt using a super case.

Factory traction bars. I tied the frame. Hooks up good.

[TAQuest]

Originally Posted by STEELCITYFIREBIRD

I know I have asked more than once with no response....So what rear axle ratio does your car have....first gear ratio of trans?

A list of most shelf stock Pontiac Cams for you;
http://www.pontiacpower.org/PontiacCams.htm

I see you edited in a list of cams. Thanks for that. Maybe the next one or the one after that. Like I said, it's the 2157 this time.

[STEELCITYFIREBIRD]

Your light on final gear IMHO for a 400, that's likely a big contributor to weak low end performance with larger cam causing heavy load leading to knocking. Realize those are RAIV heads on serious steroids, RAIV used 1.65 rockers and 4.10 (minimum) rear gear. A well selected roller cam setup could really make good use of those heads.
It's all good, time will tell, if it does what you want well, enjoy it.Looks like a nice ride!

[455GRIN]

Rear gear is fine, you just need to add a stroker 455 crank, Ram 4 cam and Q Jet. Been doing that for years on performance street cars.

[455GRIN]

or 400 cubes then the Summit 2802. Has a nice idle in a 400, should run well with 4 speed

[TAQuest]

What I like to build is a low compression 428 with nitrous. Built one for the 69 coupe I used to race. Only guy at the track with a nitrous pump(late 80's early 90's). Everybody else with nitrous had to use a bottle heater. I just pulled up to my nitrous pump and adjusted the pressure by volume.

This car, that I'm working on now, is going to cruise around town with little kids in the back some of the time. It doesn't need to be all that much high performance. Just a smooth running street car for the family to enjoy. Maybe run it in a parade or two. Trips up north to the Big Mac. It will never see a race or a track.

[242177P]

Originally Posted by TAQuest

If I don't like it I will just swap it out again.

But you already didn't like it.

[TAQuest]

Originally Posted by 242177P

But you already didn't like it.

You are confused. I would go back over it but I feel like you are confused on purpose as part of your comedy act. Sorry if it's real confusion, that's no joke.