Quote Originally Posted by States View Post
I recently purchased a 1972 el Camino with a 350 that originally had a 2 bbl but was changed to a 600 cfm Holly. The previous owner also put in a Delta Cam for which I can get no information from the manufacturer, the guy I bought it from indicated that it has a duration of 278/288 and lift of 388/410. I would like to build this to 300hp +. I'm planning on headers and an Elderbrook Performer EPS intake.
Questions:
1 any comments on this cam from what info I have?
2 how can I get better performing heads without breaking the bank or are the stock ok.
3 I think I've got 8.5/1 compression ratio (stock) will this accomplish what I want or do I need to upgrade?

I'm retired and on an extremely tight budget!
1. Far too much cam for the static compression ratio. Motor needs 248 intake duration with that SCR, not 278.
2. You can't. No, they're not. Best affordable iron heads are the L31's. Read about them here....
http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w..._cylinder_head
3. 1972 was the first year of dismal static compression ratios, large piston crown dishes and awful combustion chambers. You will need to change pistons to make a base for power. Then you'll need some decent heads. How much can you afford for new or used aluminum heads?

With today's crummy fuels, iron-headed motors should be limited to no more than 9.5:1 SCR. Aluminum headed motors should be limited to 10.5:1.

Here are some other tutorials that you might enjoy reading....I wrote them for the Crankshaft Coalition Wiki....
http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...cooling_system
http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w..._compatibility
http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...ips_and_tricks
http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w..._Dimitri_Elgin
http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...op_dead_center
http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/w...m_combinations

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