Inliners International Forums General Discussion Hi Performance cams?

what would be the best cam for a chevy 250 and a powerglide at first i will have headers and duals next 500cfm and intake i want it to talk and have good power iam more into low end than anything i want to thank you up front for and help

I would aim you at a Clifford 264. That is a good all around cam. Tom

ok thanks bro and read somewhere on here that the 230-230 by comp cams i think would be a good cam as well what you think?

The cams that have the best low speed, in general, do the least for max power.

Odiedj8, are you referring to the Comp Cam C60-280H-10 with 230/230 degrees duration at 0.050 lift? If so, this is too hot for a engine with good low end power.

For mid-range power in the 2000 to 5500/6000 rpm band, look for a camshaft with around 204 to 214 degrees duration at 0.050 lift. For more low end power below 2000 rpm, look at camshafts with 192 to 200 degrees duration at 0.050 lift.

See the table of different camshafts at the following location on this website (not a valid 'clickable' link):

http://www.inliners.org / Tech Tips / Cam Specs, 250" Series Engines

ok guys thanks that does help i guess i just want good low end power and good mid power i am not really into going drag racing with the car i want a good sound and power where i will use it most which is a everyday car
so i guess i need a mid cam ? so what do you all think i should go with
and is the 500 cfm too big or would the 390 cfm be better thanks guys

I still think the Clifford 264 and a 390 (list 8007) Holley is a good combo. It will have a idle and tq, but have the power when needed.
If you want less idle than a Comp 252 or 260.

do you run the clifford cam?
so the 264 will have a idle like fair to good?
thanks
and why the 390 and not the 500 just trying learn here

I have run Both Clifford and Comp Cams. Never had a problem with any of them. Did have a cam go bad on a BB chevy once, can't win them all.
Yes you will hear a somewhat choppy idle and it will be around 750-800 rpm. Atleast 100 rpm higher than stock.

The Clifford will require the use of springs to match the lift and possible machining of the valve guides for smaller positive seals(also because of the lift. The spring can be bought from Clifford, I have a good one I use.

The 390 4 bbl will give better all around driving than a 500 2 bbl. Most of the time is spent driving on just the small primaries and only at full throttle will the secondaries open. Probably better economy also. Tom

What ever some uninformed people will say here,,,,stay away from a Clifford intake,the Offy will perform better for what you are looking for.

My 2 cents.

MBHD

Powerglide 1.82:1 1st gear + stock motor + tall gears + stock converter means that with anything more than a mild cam the car will be S L O W E R than stock for several seconds on take-off. The moment you say "good sound", how the engine actually works is out of the picture. Rilly kewl idle = no power below 2,000 RPM.
At this stage, following good advice is far more important than trying to understand why.

ok kool thanks guys for the help i will go with a mild cam and headers with duals first then add the 390 n intake next n maybe some other areas after that like what panic had to say the tranny area n rear end
love this site

ok hey tom what about the header?
would i better off just staying stock and not going true duals?
and does anyone have a 390 cab for sale and intake on here?
thanks guys

Headers will give the most power. They are harder to keep sealed. What chassis are you working with?
For the carb, they are on ebay all the time. Look for a list # 8007
You could also put a ad in the classifieds. Tom

hey tom and everybody
1972 nova bone stock with inline 250 and powerglide, power brakes n steering nothing else no a.c. and drum brakes at that
just starting my build up
i just want to start with the best bang for the buck first then move on.......ok if this was your engine what steps and in what order would you go?

Best bang for the buck?

I'd say turbo it.
You can use most stock parts modified to run one.

Does this interest you?

MBHD

Hank definitely makes a good point. I don't think I could come up with something better. A u-pipe off the manifold, a Grand National turbo, a water/meth setup, a carb set up for blowthrough, an offy manifold, new valvesprings and seals, and you're done. Add a good coil and spark box, then Wham 300hp.

yeah sounds cool but how much?
and tom how about this for a cam comp cam 1200-5200RPM; advertise duration 268 int./exh.; valve lift .499 int./exh.; lobe angle 110 deg
is that more in line with what you was saying?
thanks guys
and for real how much for the turbo setup?

That cam is more in the range. It will still easily make power to 5 k rpm. The next size smaller will have better manners.

Realistic #'s for a turbo setup

New turbo 700- 800 ( good quality, correct size)
Used turbo 300-500 ( same)

Turbo manifold around 500

Options
get a earlier turbo setup from the 80-81 firebird/ TA or carbed Buick 3.8 turbo, same vintage.
These will cost between 50-300 for the whole setup. Granted not as much power can be made ( no intercooling, draw thru setup), this can probably make around 250-300 hp with a small cam.

Tom