Nick.Simonds

I finally got the block off the the machine shop.

I was thinking. Since the cam is kind a PITA to change later, could I slap a milder cam in now? That way later when I can new heads, intake, carb and all the goodies, I do not have to worry about it.


I don't really see it as being a problem, but I have only really just starting getting in depth on engine building so I wanted to ask some of you more seasoned guys.

urban_cowboy

I would not think so. You are going to be limited by how much power it will make by your heads and intake. Typically you change the cam and heads together since they are both limiting factors in air flow. Putting the cam in now may not get you much, but having it ready for a head swap later is not a bad idea if you do not plan to pull the block when swapping heads.

kalli

if you swap it now you can change the heads later without pulling the engine at least much easier.
If your bottom end is totally stock then you don't want to rev more than 5500 rpm no matter what heads you are throwing at it. So if you go for a toqe-ish cam rather than a cam that makes power in the upper powerband, then I'd say why not ...

Nick.Simonds

Thanks guys, that is what I thought.

Nick.Simonds

I would say I would not ever spin it past 5k, being a 351w I would not need to on the street. Haha

_Remi

I just did the mistake to keep my stock cam with my new aluminum performer heads and the result is that: my ride is rough, I am loosing power and it will cost me more money to throw a cam in.

If you know what kind of heads you want, you should either change it now or change it when you change the heads but don't do what I did

Nick.Simonds

I plan to throw the Edlebrock power package on there later, nothing to fancy. And the heads and intake are much easier to through while in the car than a cam.

fakesnakes

Change the cam now, you will thank yourself for doing it later!

Make sure you plan your compression ratio out. Performance cams need either higher compression or forced induction. 9 to 9.5 should be fine for your stated intentions. you need to plan your pistons and deck height for the eventual heads combution chamber size.

Nick.Simonds

^^Haha, that is why I am learning all of this engine building stuff. So I can fully grasp what you just said.

I got it though.

fakesnakes

Well done, grasshopper!