335 Series Engine Forum

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Cam for 400

Printed From: The Ford Torino Page
Category: Powertrain Specific Forum
Forum Name: 335 Series Engine Forum
Forum Description: 351C, 351M and 400 engines
URL: https://forum.grantorinosport.org/forum_posts.asp?TID=19184
Printed Date: 23-April-2024 at 10:38PM
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.06 - https://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Cam for 400

Posted By: Lizer
Subject: Cam for 400
Date Posted: 17-October-2020 at 5:51PM

In the well-known older Hot Rod article where they built a 406 that put out over 450 ft-lbs torque for less than $2000 in 1998 dollars, they used the Comp Cam X-treme Energy 268 degree cam.

Comp doesn't apparently offer this grind any more, the closest I can find is their K32-242-4.

I have been meaning to call them but thought I'd ask here too. Is anyone aware of the alternative for this?

Here is the link; the cam profile is summarized at the very end.

https://www.hotrod.com/articles/hrdp-9809-ford-406-engine-build/" rel="nofollow - https://www.hotrod.com/articles/hrdp-9809-ford-406-engine-build/

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78 LTD II sports touring package (blue), father original owner
67 Mustang (5.0)
69 Mach 1 428 SCJ Drag Pack

Replies:

Posted By: 72FordGTS
Date Posted: 18-October-2020 at 6:28AM

I don't think that cam is available anymore. You could do a custom grind, but there are probably better options available today. I ended up going with a custom grind roller cam as speced out by Tim Meyer.

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Vince

1972 Ford GTS Sportsroof - Survivor, One Family car

GTS.org Admin

Posted By: 72 RS 351
Date Posted: 18-October-2020 at 6:41AM

Ditto. I would either select another hydraulic flat tappet cam(low cost), or convert to a roller cam(high cost). There's a bunch to gain with a roller cam, but the roller lifters alone make that very expensive. There's not much between those that will gain a lot, or cost anything near the roller option.

It's like comparing a bone stock engine to a well modified one, but with not much between the two. Find a reason to do the roller cam conversion, and add $100 plus $200, for the custom cam and special valve springs/retainers/keepers.

I have a 400 block that I wish I could do something with, but I have no new projects planned. It's a four bolt main block with screw in freeze plugs. That used to mean something in the 70's or 80's, now it's a novel oddity with little real value. I also still have my original first car 351C-2V block etc. I'd like to make time to build that into a 408, but still I'd need a reason for spending the money and time. I'd make that a roller engine too with a Torker intake(I have new). Time, money, need, space, who has enough?

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Don
73 Ranchero "Sport 72 front end", floor shift/console, planning EFI 7000+ rpm 351-4V &4R70W
73 Ranchero GT 351C-4V &4R70W for sale later.
92 Lincoln Mark VII SE GTC, OBDII 347/4R70W

Posted By: handsofstone
Date Posted: 18-October-2020 at 6:54AM

I was told I have a High Energy RV cam in my car. Nice response low to high rpm. No idea what make it is. But ai have low comoression dished pistons and open chambered heads under a 4V Edelbrock.

Posted By: 72 RS 351
Date Posted: 18-October-2020 at 8:36AM

It sounds like you do like that cam you have now. Maybe it's what you need now, I'd check it for specs with a degree wheel and dial caliper, check the lobes for wear, and use it if it checks out to be what you expect from it.

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Don
73 Ranchero "Sport 72 front end", floor shift/console, planning EFI 7000+ rpm 351-4V &4R70W
73 Ranchero GT 351C-4V &4R70W for sale later.
92 Lincoln Mark VII SE GTC, OBDII 347/4R70W

Posted By: Lizer
Date Posted: 18-October-2020 at 12:14PM

I guess if they're not making it anymore I might check out the Xtreme Energy cam they have that's closest in spec, which is duration 262/270, Lift .513/.520, can be used with the stock rockers with their springs.

The 5.0 in my 67 Mustang is a full roller motor with roller lifters and full roller rockers. On this build though I'm going to stick with hydraulic flat tappet cam and the stock rockers. I don't think you gain a lot from an expensive set of roller rockers until you get up into a pretty high rpm range, which is not where my driving is at.

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78 LTD II sports touring package (blue), father original owner
67 Mustang (5.0)
69 Mach 1 428 SCJ Drag Pack