Hey guys, I've got about 500 dollars to blow and I want to spend it on engine mods for my 289 (mods in sig). I've heard that getting a camshaft is pointless without getting some head work, is this true? if not, I'm looking at the Edelbrock performer RPM camshaft because I assume it will work well with my intake/carb set up. http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...0002_760807_-1
any cams you guys recommend? keep in mind I really dont understand lift/duration stuff. I wouldnt know what to do i need any other parts besides whats in the link i sent you? the 500 dollars I have would have to include labor as well, im lost in this kinda installation.
Thanks guys!

 

I think that cam is going to be too meaty unless you make the other upgrades. We'll see what the experts think.

 

that came would be good with your intake, carb, and headers. i would go with the 351w cam though (the only difference is the firing order, and the 351w firing order is better from what i hear)

you WILL need new valve springs though, im sure edelbrock has a recommended set matched to these cams. another thing you will want to replace while its getting done is your timing chain, spend a couple extra bucks and get a quality double roller setup or even a gear drive if you want that blower sound.

lastly, although a cam swap sounds duanting - its really not. any chiltons/haynes book that covers a small block ford V8 will give you the reading material you need to get it done. take your time, and you will be pleased with the outcome. when it comes to these cars, doing the work firsthand is like a bonding experience and you will be PROUD driving it around.

oh if you do this yourself when you first start er' up bring the RPMS up to around 1500 and keep it there for about 10-15 minutes to prevent premature camshaft or lifter failure.

*edit* after posting i saw the other post and that made me think some more...... yes this cam will work and its a good bump stick, but i should have said it IS on the big end of the spectrum for stock heads. Im not saying not get it, im saying dont go any bigger. pretty much .450 - .500 lift is a good place to be for an internally stock motor to make good power and not go overboard. anything over around .475 NEEDS new valve springs, but i recommended them for any cam over .450 lift to be safe.

 

if i had different heads on my car or in fact a smaller engine, i would get head work and a nice cam

i just got lucky with my heads being what they are