I always have this conversation with the engine builder -- because the cam is the brain of the engine - but it has to work in harmony with all the other factors of the motor - compression (static) - head size - desire... i.e, torque or HP - and where do you want that. Power brakes or not... etc.

SO ---- LSA -- WIDE makes for smoother idle and better vacuum... NARROW - makes lumpy and low vacuum

Lift is about so many variables -- but "DEPENDS" -- valve to piston clearance.. rocker arm ratio... valve springs used - street daily driver - or a drag racer.

ME... I'm all about bottom end grunt and great drivability... so I like moderate lifts with moderate duration - and WIDE LSA.... Moderate allows the valve train to live... Moderate duration allows me to enjoy the car in todays traffic with the A/C running.... :D and the Wide LSA is good for my MAP sensor with EFI and 8 stacks...

Todays cam profiles allow a guy to tailor make / order a cam that can do it all....

So - really - the cam depends on compression - head size - and use... and that all needs to be PLANNED TOGETHER before the very first part is purchased. Then toss in the gear ratio - auto or stick - converter loose or tight... so plan a plan and then plan your plan with the man.... that's building the engine. And even if he's not assembling it -- he's built enough of 'em to be a good guide on the total combination.

Thanks again Greg. That sure gets me going in the right direction.
I have been reading a bit on cam selection and when the time comes to purchase one I will be better prepared.
I really appreciate the input. :thumbsup:

Here ya go.... sweet dreams!


The THUMPER...

Cam recommendations and grinds are like... well you know... :rolleyes:

Decide what manners you REALLY want the car to have before you buy!
What are you REALLY going to do with the car 99% of the time?

Call the cam help lines, discuss with Greg and others who have more experience than both you and I, and then make your purchase. :thumbsup:

Thanks Ty,
I had a really good conversation via email with Greg yesterday about cam selections. I also found several really good articles online. Between Gregs help and the reading I am still doing I feel pretty good about choosing the right cam when the time comes.

Based on how I will use the car and what I really want out of my engine, the 268 from the XFI line at CompCams looks like a contender.
I'm still learning. I have a while before I need to buy a cam. In the mean time I am having fun reading and talking about it.

Thanks again to everyone for all of the advice, help and encouragement.

Great to see the updates Eric.:thumbsup:

Kind of quiet over here:_paranoid Must be some top secret progress going on.:unibrow:

No, nothing top secret. Lol!
I have been getting my dads shop finished inside. At least enough to move the car into it. That should happen in the next two weeks if everything goes ok there.
I have also been gathering parts and tools, trying to get a workstation set up and generally getting organized for this. I hate getting half way into something only to realize I am missing a part, tool or materials for that specific project.
The motor is getting close to finished though.

Progress is still being made, just not much worth posting about.

Thanks for checking in.:cheers:

Yeah, good luck w that E...:P

I know, it's hopeless. But at least it's fun to dream right?:lol: