What Cam would be good

[Moparbob]

Hello,

I'm putting a good 440 in my car out of a truck. Unfortunately its a lower compression later model. It does have 452 heads and its tight. I don't have the money to put new pistons in just now but I will like to stick some cam in. Its a 727 tranny in a 73 charger. I eventually plan on re building the motor and upping the compression so ideally I would like to be able to use this new cam then too.

Id like suggestions on:
A Cam
Lifters
Push Rods
Rockers

Perhaps a kit??

Thanks!!

[Sublime/Sixpack]

I've had good results with Mopar Performance's Hemi grind cam (.474 lift) but there are newer designs out there now. Comp Cams has a Hotline you can call for suggestions of one of their cams.

[Moparbob]

Thanks,,

Id like a kit,, perhaps I will call tomorrow.

[mikepmcs]

problem with the mopar grinds is the lobe separation(ie; low vacuum, therefore no brakes if you have power ones, unless of course you buy a $270 vac pump to make up the difference.)  Maybe an engle(k56/k58) grind would work for you.  Just throwing that out there.

[flyinlow]

have you considered milling the heads to raise the compression?  Should be able to raise it into the 9's. That would give you more power and a wider choice of cams. Stock 440 heads are easy to find and cheap.  Would work on pump gas.

[firefighter3931]

That engine will have ~8:1 static compression so the trick is to keep the duration conservative to trap air in the cylinder at lower rpm's and increase torque. Something like the Lunati 220* split pattern VooDoo grind would be an excellent choice, inmo. 

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=LUN%2D60302LK&autoview=sku


You will also need new valvesprings :

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=CCA%2D911%2D16&N=700+115&autoview=sku



Ron

[Sublime/Sixpack]

Its just an observation, but keep in mind guys, he did say that he wanted to use this same cam in the engine after he has it rebuilt with an increase in compression.

[Moparbob]

That engine will have ~8:1 static compression so the trick is to keep the duration conservative to trap air in the cylinder at lower rpm's and increase torque. Something like the Lunati 220* split pattern VooDoo grind would be an excellent choice, inmo. 

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=LUN%2D60302LK&autoview=sku


You will also need new valvesprings :

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=CCA%2D911%2D16&N=700+115&autoview=sku



Ron

Ordered it today! Thanks Brother 

[firefighter3931]

That engine will have ~8:1 static compression so the trick is to keep the duration conservative to trap air in the cylinder at lower rpm's and increase torque. Something like the Lunati 220* split pattern VooDoo grind would be an excellent choice, inmo. 

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=LUN%2D60302LK&autoview=sku


You will also need new valvesprings :

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=CCA%2D911%2D16&N=700+115&autoview=sku



Ron

Ordered it today! Thanks Brother 

Bob, you will like that cam....excellent torque and throttle response. It will work fine with a stock converter as well. 

I forgot to mention a new timing set. I've had very good results with the Comp Cams double roller chain sets....these seem to hold chain tension (no stretch) much better than some of the higher priced sets out there. The VooDoo is a 3 bolt upper gear attachment so you will need a matching timing set. The stock one is most likely stretched to hell anyway so this is something that you will need to replace.

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=CCA%2D2109&autoview=sku


I recommend degreeing in the cam if possible and installing it on a 108* intake centerline which is 4* advanced. The stock rocker arms and pushrods are fine as long as they're in good shape. The Comp springs will drop right onto your heads and work with the factory retainers/locks. No worries with retainer to guide clearance either with this cam profile and you will have LOTS of piston to valve clearance.

This is about as easy as it gets for a cam swap. 



Ron

[Moparbob]

That engine will have ~8:1 static compression so the trick is to keep the duration conservative to trap air in the cylinder at lower rpm's and increase torque. Something like the Lunati 220* split pattern VooDoo grind would be an excellent choice, inmo. 

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=LUN%2D60302LK&autoview=sku


You will also need new valvesprings :

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=CCA%2D911%2D16&N=700+115&autoview=sku



Ron

Ordered it today! Thanks Brother 

Bob, you will like that cam....excellent torque and throttle response. It will work fine with a stock converter as well. 

I forgot to mention a new timing set. I've had very good results with the Comp Cams double roller chain sets....these seem to hold chain tension (no stretch) much better than some of the higher priced sets out there. The VooDoo is a 3 bolt upper gear attachment so you will need a matching timing set. The stock one is most likely stretched to hell anyway so this is something that you will need to replace.

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=CCA%2D2109&autoview=sku


I recommend degreeing in the cam if possible and installing it on a 108* intake centerline which is 4* advanced. The stock rocker arms and push rods are fine as long as they're in good shape. The Comp springs will drop right onto your heads and work with the factory retainers/locks. No worries with retainer to guide clearance either with this cam profile and you will have LOTS of piston to valve clearance.

This is about as easy as it gets for a cam swap. 



Ron

Houston,, do we have a problem?

I was re assembling today and noticed my rockers are non adjustable. I called summit and they said,, oh, BTW you need a $400 roller rocker set. I know you cant do this stuff on a budget but I am and thats gonna break the bank. Do I really need the adjustable rockers or can I use the stock not adjustable ones? I was hoping to start this motor this weekend 

[Rolling_Thunder]

with a mild hydraulic cam like that just run the stock rockers

[Moparbob]

with a mild hydraulic cam like that just run the stock rockers

So far so good I did however buy the lunati lifters and springs..

[firefighter3931]

Houston,, do we have a problem?

I was re assembling today and noticed my rockers are non adjustable. I called summit and they said,, oh, BTW you need a $400 roller rocker set. I know you cant do this stuff on a budget but I am and thats gonna break the bank. Do I really need the adjustable rockers or can I use the stock not adjustable ones? I was hoping to start this motor this weekend 

Call Houston and tell them to prepare for launch....there is NO problem. 

The stock rockers are fine ! 

Make sure you add a bottle of breakin lube (EOS or Comp Additive) to protect the lifters/cam lobes during breakin. Fire up the engine and immediately bring it up to 2500 rpm and keep it there for 25-30 minutes to wear-in the cam & lifters. Set the timing to at least 30* at 2500rpm to keep the engine temps down and prevent overheating. Make sure you have enough fuel to run the engine for the full breakin period. 


Any pre-launch questions... don't hesitate to ask ! 



Ron

[Moparbob]

Make sure you add a bottle of breakin lube (EOS or Comp Additive)

And I might get some pf that where? At the local Liquor store? 

2500 a,, guess that will be about 20 gallons of fuel 

[firefighter3931]

And I might get some pf that where? At the local Liquor store? 

Typical Fireman....allways thinking of booze ! 

EOS is available at your local GM dealer parts counter....hold your nose when you walk in there or better yet throw on a SCBA  The Comp brekin lube is available at any speed shop or Summit racing, Jegs etc...


You must use this stuff...don't fire the engine w/o it !

Read this thread prior to launch : http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,46015.0.html

2500 a,, guess that will be about 20 gallons of fuel 

Geez, if you go through 20 gallons there are BIG problems.    5-6 gallons should be plenty. 



Ron

[Nacho-RT74]

I've had good results with Mopar Performance's Hemi grind cam (.474 lift)

GOOD TO KNOW! 

[Moparbob]

Anyone know the torque for the rocker assembly?

[Ghoste]

I am not happy with the Hemi grind cam in my car but its a 383 and that makes a difference too.  It's simply too much cam for my application and by the time you make the other changes to get the cam effective in a 383 you may as well spend a few more dollars and get one of the new grinds that are out there and REALLY take advantage of the mods. IMO.
As for rocker shaft torque; tighten to 25 ft lbs on a big block.

[firefighter3931]

As for rocker shaft torque; tighten to 25 ft lbs on a big block.

Agreed ! 



Ron