Engine rebuild; camshaft options?

[PFA42]

After a year of solid performance my engine failed (again).  This time around the cam bolt came loose and over time caused the pushrod's to degrade to one having a major melt down.  After inspection and replacement the cam bolt washer snapped and caused some other issues.  Now getting to the rebuild and looking at the probability of having to replace the cam.  Here is the current set up:
-Comp Cams 1071 roller rockers arms
-Comp Cams chrome molley pushrods
-Comp Cams valve springs, lifters
-Comp Cams XEHL 285 camshaft
       Would anyone recommend changing the cam to a Mopar performance .509 camshaft or something else? Or any other changes since it's getting torn town to the heads.  Ultimately I'm looking for something that can take the abuse of my foot on the pedal, give me solid street performance and reliability.
Current set up is:
-1969 .40 over 440 engine with upgraded pistons etc... 9:5:1 CR
-CH4B dual plane intake
-Edelbrock 750cfm carb
-3.91 gears (suregrip) with 2500 stall
-727 trans

PFA

[Chryco Psycho]

I like the PRW stainless rockers for the street , a bit more reasonably priced & available in other ratios than 1.5
Check out Lunati Voodoo cams 60302 or 60303 using a 3 bolt timing chain , I have had better results with them over the off the shelf Comp grinds . if you go with the 285 * duration cam you may have troubles with the Eddy carb , they really are tough to adjust to amkle them run well on engine making low vacuum , I would suggest a Proform carb where you have removabe bleeds for idle & jet circuit  .
Make sure you get Johnson lifters , all others are junk .
the Mopar cams were designed 35 years ago there are far better profiles available now

[c00nhunterjoe]

You cantbeat the sound of the "509" there are better choices for max performance but the cam choice should be based on your goals for the car. What are you looking for?

I'm not a fan of that intake or the eddy carb. If you are upgrading cams, even the 509 isn't matched well for that intake. For a street car I would swap to a performer rpm intake and an 850 holley or the aformentioned proform.

[Chryco Psycho]

the intake is OK , actually a decent intake for street use but a poor match for a long duration cam like the 509 , the Rpm would be better .

[firefighter3931]

With that combination of compression, induction, stall & gearing i'd be looking at something like the Comp XS274S solid flat tappet cam. You allready have an adjustable valvetrain so a small street solid makes sense. 

Get the cam Nitrided and use a set of EDM lifters for a nice bulletproof combination. You can even order the cam with a 3 bolt attachment if that's a concern for you 


Ron

[redmist]

I love my XS282S

[PFA42]

With that combination of compression, induction, stall & gearing i'd be looking at something like the Comp XS274S solid flat tappet cam. You allready have an adjustable valvetrain so a small street solid makes sense. 

Get the cam Nitrided and use a set of EDM lifters for a nice bulletproof combination. You can even order the cam with a 3 bolt attachment if that's a concern for you 


Ron

Ron,
I looked that cam up and it says it's for the small block... is there a similar cam for the big block?

PFA

[firefighter3931]

With that combination of compression, induction, stall & gearing i'd be looking at something like the Comp XS274S solid flat tappet cam. You allready have an adjustable valvetrain so a small street solid makes sense. 

Get the cam Nitrided and use a set of EDM lifters for a nice bulletproof combination. You can even order the cam with a 3 bolt attachment if that's a concern for you 


Ron

Ron,
I looked that cam up and it says it's for the small block... is there a similar cam for the big block?

PFA

Yes, the XS274S is available for BB Mopar. Call Comp Cams and tell them that you want to order that grind and have the camshaft nitrided. It will be a special order item. You can also specify a 3 bolt core at the same time if you feel like upgrading. Ask about a set of solid lifters with EDM oiling while you have them on the phone and if available...order them at the same time. 

If Comp does not have EDM lifters available don't worry because there are other sources. 



Ron