Decision time...

[72Charger-SE]

OK...  the block, heads & crank are done...   I need to make a decision on the pistons, cam, rockers & lifters so I can finish building this motor.  I have a 727 Trans with a 3:55 Sure Grip rear end.

I want a powerful, long lasting motor that runs strong.
I will take it to the track every now and again... 1 maybe 2 times per year...
I do want a 'rumble' but not a rough running sound...

What would you recommend?

I don't see 9's or 10's or 11's in the 1/4 mile times.  I see a fun car with plenty of power as well as cruising to Dairy Queen on Saturday night with my Wife...

Thanks,
Chad

[moparguy01]

aim for something around 9 to 9.5:1 compression so pump gas isn't a problem. Honestly with that type of an engine build I'd go with HP manifolds, maybe ever run the MP heavy duty rocker arms, stock style, and a mild cam. maybe around the .480 area. Your best bet for figuring out the cam would be to call your cam manufacturer of choice and talk with them. I know if you call comp cams with all your specs they will recommend something for you based on the numbers and what you want it to do.

[Cooter]

Give Hughes engines a call for cam...tell em what you want...

[Challenger340]

I must have missed something....what Engine..383...400...440 ?

[72Charger-SE]

Oops...  440 (.030) 1968 block

[firefighter3931]

I think you'd be happy with the 303 Lunati flat tappet hydraulic camshaft. Use a set of the Johnson lifters and you could get away with the stock rocker arm setup and some good quality chrome moly pushrods.

For the pistons you should use a quality forged aluminum slug ; Ross/Diamond/KB Icon etc...



Ron

[72Charger-SE]

Thanks firefighter3931...

On the Pistons...  Flat Top? Domed? What would you recommend?
I plan to replace the rockers, lifters, and push rods with new as the old appears 'worn out' in my opinion.

Lifters: Would you use hydraulic, solid, or??

Thanks for your opinion and recommendations.

Chad

[john108]

I think you'd be happy with the 303 Lunati flat tappet hydraulic camshaft. Use a set of the Johnson lifters and you could get away with the stock rocker arm setup and some good quality chrome moly pushrods.

Ron

[firefighter3931]

Thanks firefighter3931...

On the Pistons...  Flat Top? Domed? What would you recommend?
I plan to replace the rockers, lifters, and push rods with new as the old appears 'worn out' in my opinion.

Lifters: Would you use hydraulic, solid, or??

Thanks for your opinion and recommendations.

Chad

A flat top would be the best choice to keep static compression in check ; with open chamber iron heads you need 9.0-9.5:1 to keep it out of detonation on pump gas. 

The VooDoo cam is a hydraulic lifter grind and anytime you install a new cam you must install new lifters. 

The rocker arms and pushrods should be swapped out if they are old and worn out. 

You will also need a compatible valve spring to work with that cam profile. The Comp Cams #911 valve spring would be a good choice as it has the necessary seat/open pressure and it will fit right on the factory head with zero modifications. 



Ron

[72Charger-SE]

Thank you for the very specific information.  As far as the cam goes... what 'lift & duration' would I want?

[firefighter3931]

Looks like they changed the part number....it used to end with 303 now it ends with 703. 

Here is the cam you want :  http://www.summitracing.com/parts/lun-10230703/overview/make/dodge

Works well with stock heads and even better with high flowing aftermarket aluminum heads. I specced this cam for Bill's 440 6-pack build and he made over 500hp with a very basic shortblock and Edelbrock RPM heads. 

Here's the buildup with dyno results : http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,52477.0.html



Ron