Big Cam for 302

[lee_ford]

My truck is 100% Ford and I like it that way. (Ok, it does have a windshield washer bottle by Dennis Carpenter. But we don’t count that.) Problem is, I want something that makes my heart skip.

So, I have this Ford cam I want to use. It is a solid lifter one sold by Ford in the late 60s for use in the Lemans type cars. I know it would be a cool. I’m going to leave the engine compartment looking just the way it does now. It will just have a nervous idle and a little tick from the solid lifters.

For the record, I understand some of the many possible problems I may encounter with valve and spring clearance. And I know the motor would have a lot more power with headers, intake, etc. but it is not a race truck, only a work truck with an attitude. I cannot wait to see the face of someone wanting to see my engine. Makes me smile just thinking about it. Best thing is, it will still be ALL Ford.

[gregamorton]

Oh the things we do just cause we wanna!!

[lee_ford]

On the left side it says, "Must Be Greater Than Valve Lift". Anyone ever measure a 1969 stock 302 for MAX valve lift? Before I pull my valve cover.

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[chad67]

Unless the valve springs are pretty new, I would recommend changing them as an insurance policy. As far as the max lift clearance...each engine will be a little different and especially if any work has been done previously. Don't take "this is what worked for me" advice about something that could kill your engine.

[Ranchero50]

100% BAD IDEA.

Bolt on some GT40 heads with a roller cam and add a 390 big bore 2bbl carb. You are still choked on the exhaust side so don't expect much performance.

[Whateverman]

you need headers,302's are choked up on the exhaust side, running a race cam with exhaust logs is gonna be a real let down for you

[lee_ford]

...each engine will be a little different…

Good advice Chad. My truck has 30k on it and looks to have never been into, so unless I see something that looks to NEED changing I should be good. I will be pulling the heads to test piston/valve clearance so I'll get a good look inside then. I just wanted some feedback on the idea. From what I have found on the intertubes, while this is of course not the ideal race setup, it just might fit and give me the cheap thrill I’m looking for.

100% BAD IDEA.

Bolt on some GT40 heads with a roller cam and add a 390 big bore 2bbl carb. You are still choked on the exhaust side so don't expect much performance.

Thanks Ranchero50 for reminding me. I'm thinking of changing the carb anyway and a 390 2bbl would be nice. Right now I have a manual choke and it can be tricky on a cold morning. I used to have a 68 Ranchero GT that I swear the 2bbl holes looked as big as Coors cans.

… a race cam with exhaust logs is gonna be a real let down…

What I'm going for is shock and confusion.
Remember, it is not a race truck, only a work truck with an attitude.
You make a good point though, my single exhaust alone will have enough back pressure to make the power curve drop sharply above 5k. I think it might still be wise to limit the rpms to below 6k. On the bright side these cams are reported to have real nice low end torque.

One cool thing about this cam is the early timing of the exhaust opening. Those “exhaust logs” are going to be ringing even at idle.

Part Number C7FE-6250-A
Application: Over the counter
Lifter: Mechanical, lash 0.020"/0.025" I/E
Intake events: open 52* BTC, close 86* ABC
Exhaust events: open 82* BBC; close 42* ATC
Duration: 318*/304* I/E
Lobe lift: 0.330" lobe, 0.510" valve
Overlap: 94*
Mark: C7FE-A (Stamped on end of oil shaft)

[wbulick76]

With .510 valve lift, clearance should not be an issue. The biggest issue I think you will run into is going to be the need for a stall converter. With a stock converter, that truck will be miserable to drive with that cam. You'll have to idle it sky high in park just to get it to run when in gear. With the lift on that cam you must install new springs as well. I'm not a fan of solid cams, and the technology has come so far that you could buy a much more modern grind in a hydraulic that will still sound nasty, but give you the drivability. The Comp Cams Thumpr series is a great example and I have used many for people with great results.

[Ranchero50]

What I'm going for is shock and confusion.
Remember, it is not a race truck, only a work truck with an attitude.
You make a good point though, my single exhaust alone will have enough back pressure to make the power curve drop sharply above 5k. I think it might still be wise to limit the rpms to below 6k. On the bright side these cams are reported to have real nice low end torque.

One cool thing about this cam is the early timing of the exhaust opening. Those “exhaust logs” are going to be ringing even at idle.

Part Number C7FE-6250-A
Application: Over the counter
Lifter: Mechanical, lash 0.020"/0.025" I/E
Intake events: open 52* BTC, close 86* ABC
Exhaust events: open 82* BBC; close 42* ATC
Duration: 318*/304* I/E
Lobe lift: 0.330" lobe, 0.510" valve
Overlap: 94*
Mark: C7FE-A (Stamped on end of oil shaft)

Without heads that flow and springs to handle the lobe ramps you aren't going to rev to 5k, much less 4k. The absolute worst thing you can do is over cam an engine that isn't efficient. Efficiency come from having compression and air flow supported with a good spark and fuel system. Otherwise you are just pissing in the wind, been there, regretted that.

KISS principle, for shock and awe, run 2" mandrel bent pipes with glasspacks and add an 'X' for a wicked 3200rpm rasp. Go 2.25 is you plan on making over 300hp down the road with a built engine. If you can only get crimpy bends step up a size.

[Whateverman]

its gonna suck to drive..302's are lacking enough in the low end torque dept already and chucking WAY too big of a cam in and choking it off with a 2bbl and exhaust logs arent going to help matters. that cam is more than likely meant for a higher (10:1 or more) compression ratio than your engine (8.5:1 on a good day)as well...
i've done similar things as you're planning in the past (not with a solid cam )..trust me its not going to be as awesome as you think. ...but hey i'd be happy if you proved me wrong.
The best 302 i've had in one of these trucks was running a sealed power 351w marine hyd. cam with 9.5:1 compression,a tweaked (rejetted and venturies changed out) autolite 2100 2bbl headers and 2 1/2" duals...sounded gnarly and took off like a raped ape

[Whateverman]

the cool thing about marine grinds is that they put out alot of bottom end torque as well as a fair bit more hp than a stock grind