Thread: ford 289 cam size

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does anybody know what is the biggest cam you can put on a stock ford 289?

You probably wouldn't want to use it. Cam selection should be based on the other components in the engine, intended usage, drivetrain components, etc. It comes down to do you want your car to be fast or sound fast. The biggest cam is probably not the best cam for your engine....

well i'm sure you can get into the .600s in lift if you want, but over .500 is risking valve clearance issues with the pistons on a 289... what are the specs of everything else in your motor and we'll get you a matching cam from there....

Originally Posted by 66black289

does anybody know what is the biggest cam you can put on a stock ford 289?

Are you asking because you want a choppy idle like the other guys?

oh i just wanted to know because i have a cam with a .488 lift that i want to ut in it is it safe

yes thats a safe lift cam for a 289, as long as you match your valve springs a stock head should be able to flow that decently.... i would reccomend upgrading to roller rockers though, i've had issues with stock rockers on a cam lifting that tall pulling out the rocker studs

Originally Posted by thesals

yes thats a safe lift cam for a 289, as long as you match your valve springs a stock head should be able to flow that decently.... i would reccomend upgrading to roller rockers though, i've had issues with stock rockers on a cam lifting that tall pulling out the rocker studs

What kind of perfomance could he expect with a .488 cam... I'm assuming he is around 216 duration?

Originally Posted by JoeSacamano

What kind of perfomance could he expect with a .488 cam... I'm assuming he is around 216 duration?

My best guess is that the car will be slower than it was with the stock cam.

Originally Posted by thesals

yes thats a safe lift cam for a 289, as long as you match your valve springs a stock head should be able to flow that decently.... i would reccomend upgrading to roller rockers though, i've had issues with stock rockers on a cam lifting that tall pulling out the rocker studs

thanks for help on cam size im building a 65 ford 289 I wont a hard thump sound mabe 500 to 520 cam what size holley carb im going to change springs vavles to 202 & 190 will they work im going to have heads rebuilt & intake ported also going to put 150 or 200 hit of nos. on it what kind of compression do I need

Originally Posted by topthat

im building a 65 ford 289 I wont a hard thump sound

Awwwwww, Jeez, no you don't. Somebody else needs to explain it this time, I'm tired.

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Originally Posted by techinspector1

Awwwwww, Jeez, no you don't. Somebody else needs to explain it this time, I'm tired.

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I agree.



Once upon a time, we were young and worshipful of things we did not entirely have a grasp on. Now, some days, I am lucky to be able to get a grasp on anything until I get my hands warmed up with my coffee cup..

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thanks what size cam do u think thanks for all help

Use new lifters and check for interference at the following places:
1. piston to valve clearance
2. valve spring coil bind
3. retainer to guide boss clearance
4. rocker to stud bind-up

I would recomend checking all the things Tech posted for you. If I remember my old skinny block Henry's correctly, 470 was about max for stock components in the heads.... Been awhile so don't go off my memory!!!! Heck, I think it's a good day if I remember my name!!!!!

yes sireee dave, i experienced it when i put a 478 lift cam in my motor, ripped all the rocker studs out, what a PITA..... so i ended up going to a newer set of heads that were ported and polished and had rollers and such.... and then the cam was too little because the heads were made to port match my rpm airgap manifold, and then when i got it all together..... i broke a few rods