Thread: 327 Build Cam Selection

Tweet

I find it interesting when we start looking closely at the numbers of various cams. The 280 Sounds like such a big cam as compared to the XE268. With all being considered the XE line of cams are much bigger than their name implies.
I understand that they are dual pattern and that their name is implied from their seat to seat intake duration. While these two cams sound miles apart I am not sure they will act radically different. The exhaust specs are exatly the same. 280adv, 230 @ .050" with a .480" lift. The LSA@ 110 and intake centerline @ 106, are equal. Only the intake timing is different. Adv 280 vs. 268 and @ .050 of 224 vs 230. The intake lift is even equal(only .003" greater on the 280).The late intake closing is something I wanted, to get a touch less DCR. I understand the ramp profiles offer an advantage on the XE line to get great filling while according to some offering a disadvantage with wear and tear on valve train???

In looking at the old L79 cam specs, it had HUGE adv duration of somewhere between 305 and 320. Just slow ramps to get .221 @ .050" with a .447" lift. I was running this cam in this engine before the rebuild with much lower compression and horrible quench.

This stuff is semi-new to me. I just bought my 66 last year and have been out of the car scene since I was about 25. I am old now...lol @ 45. Enjoying playing with my car with my son and daughter. The internet can be a great tool and I have used it to help me build this engine. Trying to balance good power for my car and what we will do with it, reliablility, and sound while at the same time trying to keep it a 60's car with the original L79 intake, heads, carb, valve covers, and dual snorkel air cleaner. You could only get an L79 66 Nova with a 4 speed Muncie and a 12 Bolt Posi. I have both. Car is original Red on Red with a bench seat and correct 4 speed shifter.



I sure appreciate the help! Thanks and if I'm missing something, which I know I am, please let me know.