Cam choices-again...and again

[elacruze]

 

I'm hoping to drag some of the guys with years of first-hand experience into a little deeper discussion about cam selection, roller cams in particular.

I've decided to simplify life, and use the 505" motor I bought, ($3500-how could I not?) with probably no more than a cam and intake change. This engine doesn't have 500 miles on it, and has been treated like a kitten. Sold because it was too much for the previous owner's driving style.

Keep in mind that my goal is long distance touring, with durability, comfort, and drivability all higher priorities than brute horsepower. That said, I want as much brute power as I can have reasonably.  This engine will be strictly pump gas.
Let's start with what I know;
440 block, +.0?0
4.250" Stroke
Eagle rods, stock length
10.5:1 static compression, .060" quench
Edelbrock Performer RPM heads w/ 1.6 Hughes Rockers
Hooker 2" Super Comp headers-the old ones with 42" tubes (IIRC)
Electronic Fuel Injection in a manifold with 15" runners and about 300CFM per runner

The easy thing to do would be to let the CompCams program pick a hydraulic flat-tappet for me and stick it in the hole. But I'm not that way.

Why do roller cams fail in these motors? I ran a .590" lift 260* duration hydraulic roller with 125/400# springs for 17,000 miles in my old Harley-Davidson, never had a lifter problem. That motor pulled hard to 6800, too, and I didn't treat it like a girly.
So what's the problem in my motor with something conservative enough to tour with? Or is it only a matter of wasted money, because I can get equal performance at that level with a flat-tappet cam?

This is pretty much academic, I know that there are a hundred flat hydraulic grinds that would work.
Am I over thinking this?

What about Shumaker lifters? Certainly more expensive than good oil, but I plan on 20-50,000 miles without pulling the motor-that's lots of good oil.

Cam choices, Opinions?

[firefighter3931]

If you don't want to buy new rocker arms stick with a flat tappet solid. Harland Sharp/T&D are the only rockers that will last under the conditions you want to use them in. 

If i was picking a cam for that combo it would be a Comp XS290S...nice stable lobes and reasonable valvespring pressures. The std port head will be "all done" by 6000 anyway so you don't want to go too nasty on the cam. Low end and mid range torque are what you should be looking at for a power cruiser.

Comp will nitride the cam and you can also use an EDM lifter for priority lobe oiling. That should keep things very happy and provide years of service life. Of course you need GOOD lube with lots of EP additives.



Ron

[elacruze]

That seems to be the cam of choice most of the time eh? I was thinking it may be a bit much, but that's why I'm asking for experience.
What do I need for springs, with 1.6 rockers (they're already bought, but still in the box) or should I upgrade to the HS?
Are the EDM lifters from Comp also?
I'm not looking for flash at great expense in this motor, I just want it to work right, and 90% of the time it will be part throttle and under 3500rpm.

looks like with 3.55's and overdrive 70mph will be about 2000rpm...puts me right at the bottom of the good stuff with a kickdown to high gear, too.

[firefighter3931]

That seems to be the cam of choice most of the time eh? I was thinking it may be a bit much, but that's why I'm asking for experience.
What do I need for springs, with 1.6 rockers (they're already bought, but still in the box) or should I upgrade to the HS?
Are the EDM lifters from Comp also?
I'm not looking for flash at great expense in this motor, I just want it to work right, and 90% of the time it will be part throttle and under 3500rpm.

looks like with 3.55's and overdrive 70mph will be about 2000rpm...puts me right at the bottom of the good stuff with a kickdown to high gear, too.

Elacruze,

With the 290 solid i would keep the Hughes rockers and upgrade the valvesprings to Isky 8005's. With the way you want to drive this car the cam would be better if it were custom ground on a 112* LSA to spread the power out and broaden out the powerband. Torque will come in sooner and hang on longer. It'll still make over 600 ftlbs peak and be easier to tune. Vacuum signal will be stronger and the idle will be smoother. 

Howards sells the EDM lifters and you will have to measure for custom length pushrods once you mock it up. Smith Brothers make nice pushrods.


Ron

[elacruze]

Thanks Ron!

I have a 2x4 Holley TBI on Eddy/Hughes manifold to start with, so vacuum isn't an issue-however, drivability is paramount and I have time to wait for a custom grind. I also have this crazy idea about an ol' Weiand Superstock 6-pack cross-tunnel manifold, with port injection and a larger plenum with throttle bodies...It's past the hard stuff, now I just need to get in the garage and get it on a motor.
Smooth idle is good, I even went back to a steel flywheel for this combo.
I'll be needin' a set of Firecore Wires, too. 

121 days to home.

[firefighter3931]

Be safe over there and get home soon ! 

With the eddy 2x4 dual plane intake & fuel injection the 112* LSA is definately the better choice. That manifold will have very sharp throttle response and the FI should be easier to tune with a stronger vacuum signal. Reduced overlap is allways a good thing for that type of a build. I really think you're gonna like that cam & rocker setup with the proposed induction package 

One thing you should do when ordering the custom grind ; specify that you want a 3 bolt upper gear because the XS solids normally come with a single bolt. The nitriding is just good insurance along with the EDM lifters. 

I can fix you up with a set of Firecore wires when you're ready. 



Ron

[elacruze]

The Howard's website is...short of information.
I see that Comp has EDM drilled lifters too-what's the advantage to Howard's, if any?
I've always have very good luck with Comp's springs too-why Isky?
If price is significantly different, that's good but there is some benefit to getting everything from one place, since I'm doing it online with a 9 hour time difference.

[firefighter3931]

The Howard's website is...short of information.
I see that Comp has EDM drilled lifters too-what's the advantage to Howard's, if any?
I've always have very good luck with Comp's springs too-why Isky?
If price is significantly different, that's good but there is some benefit to getting everything from one place, since I'm doing it online with a 9 hour time difference.

Eric,

Interesting....Comp must have just recently started making the EDM lifters. Well if they have them available you can just order from them when you get the cam. I'm sure the Comp matching valvesprings are fine as well, ask them for the appropriate spring when you order the cam. The Isky springs work very good and are quite durable so that's why i recommended them, your choice though 


Ron