View Full Version : upgrading cam in a 406- want opinion


tommyg
Sep 13th, 07, 04:50 PM
Here is my build:
Dart block
406
Dragon slayer crank
6" crowler rods
JE pistions
10.8:1 compression
AFR 195cc heads
RPM Air gap Holley 750 DP
Hooker super comps 1 3/4"
Dr gas x pipe
Muncie 4spd
4:10 rear
26" tall tire

Car is a weekend warrior (street/strip) - cruise on the street a lot.

My current cam is a solid 236/242@50 with a 501/510 lift (1.6 rockers on intake gives me a 523 lift) all on a 110LSA

I am thinking about bumping to cam up a bit to make more power. I was told by a rep a bullet cams that I should go with a solid 251/259@50 with a 540/535 lift on a 108. He told me that he thought my engine was slightley undercammed for what I have and if I upgrade I should see a nice increase in power across the powerband. I plan to use an electric vacuum pump for my power brakes and steering if I go with this.

What do you guys think?

Straight-line-69
Sep 13th, 07, 09:34 PM
That's probably enough compression for that cam,..why not. You'd have nothing below 3000 RPM, but with your 4-speed, 26" tire and 4.10's,..no problem.

I've said it before, but I believe 195's are too small for a healthy 406,..I'd step up to something in the 215cc range.

My opinion.

68rs406
Sep 13th, 07, 09:52 PM
I agree, you will make more power with more cam. Right now that thing must be real torquey.
First off, I usually stay away from reccomending cams, but.... I would look at around .250 @ .050 and as much lift as you can get with that duration, and I like the 108 lsa idea too. If you can swing the price, I would go with a solid roller.
I actually have a similar motor, 406, a bit more compression at 11.5:1, and a bit more head, 220cc protoplines. I have a 1 plane intake and an automatic also. My cam is a .250 @ .050, 108lsa, and .380 lobe lift, so around .608 minus lash, about .580 at the valve. I also had lots of valve to piston clearance for the record. Its a solid roller too, and I have power brakes and plenty of vacuum to run them, around 13" in fact. I actually plan on going bigger next time I freshen the motor, and have the heads done, but right now I can drive all over without any drama.
My opinion is with the strong exhaust port on those heads and strong overall flow characteristics, go with a single pattern solid roller, and for NA keep it around 108lsa. You could go flat tappet successfully too, but you will never see the lift with .250 @ .050 duration that a roller will, that makes for a pretty agressive yet streetable cam. I suppose a hydraulic roller would work too.
Again, just my opinion, cams are a real personal item, and I encourage people to do LOTS of homework or consult a proven reliable source before buying one. Good luck with it!

tommyg
Sep 14th, 07, 05:41 AM
Thanks. I want more out of this build because i feel the build calls for a bigger cam. My builder originally recomended a bigger cam with a cannister for vacuum but I did not want this at the time - I should have listended to him. The motor runs real strong but like I said, for this build I think there is more in there and I am hoping a larger cam will unlock more hp and hopefully keep the TQ level the same. its really a street cruiser but I like it a little beefy.

6D9
Sep 14th, 07, 06:49 AM
Tommy, You should get the car on a chassis dyno before and after the cam swap. It would be neat to see how much the new larger cam benifits the combo.