Moparts
The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. **Update**
Posted By: VITC_GTX
The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. **Update** - 11/17/12 01:13 AM
1971 Satellite
383 block, .030" over, stock stroke
Forged pistons .021" in the hole
Stock 906 heads, new springs with dampners (Pioneer rv891x)
8.80:1 measured compression
727
2.76.1 or 3.23:1 rear end
DP4B dual plane intake
650 Eddy carb
HP exhaust manifolds
power brakes
air conditioning
This will be a 100% street car and will never see anything over 4000 rpm. I need vacuum for brakes and vacuum controlled dash/heater box. I want to run a/c and have it get decent mpg (I'm guessing 16-17???).
What cam to use?
Posted By: VincentVega
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. well, which one - 11/17/12 02:43 AM
Probably about the easiest cam question there is. You could go with a stock cam, no problem.
Check out crane grind # H-260-2 that's actually a little weaker than stock, and will have a tremendous bottom end. 112 LSA so it'll have a good idle and lots of vacuum.
Personally I'd go with a modern/stock equivalent grind, so you could at least wind up and be satisfied if you wanted to.
Seriously, any stock replacement came or the so-called RV cams will work great for what you want.
Posted By: 6PACMAC
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. well, which one - 11/17/12 02:45 AM
You know they say "never say never"
. But if you really are just gonna putt around, any small, off shelf, hyd cam will do. Imo. With 2.76s, you might hit 18-20 mpg on the highway.
Posted By: Anonymous
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. well, which one - 11/17/12 02:53 AM
6401 Summit Cam is an amazing grind perfect for your application--383's need lots less cam than others that unit will idle well still sound Good, Melt tires off idle and pull like a train to about 5000 what more do ya want? And it is CHEAP!!!!!!!!!! I have used that cam in over 30 big mopars--it rocks for street applications with low to med compression like yours--trust me -it is an amazing camshaft 224 234 460?/ 488 exh lift I would install it around 102-103 with gears you plan it is PERFECT!
Posted By: mcmopars
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. well, which one - 11/17/12 05:01 AM
Quote:
1971 Satellite
383 block, .030" over, stock stroke
Forged pistons .021" in the hole
Stock 906 heads, new springs with dampners (Pioneer rv891x)
8.80:1 measured compression
727
2.76.1 or 3.23:1 rear end
DP4B dual plane intake
650 Eddy carb
HP exhaust manifolds
power brakes
air conditioning
This will be a 100% street car and will never see anything over 4000 rpm. I need vacuum for brakes and vacuum controlled dash/heater box. I want to run a/c and have it get decent mpg (I'm guessing 16-17???).
What cam to use?
nothing above 4000?in a mopar?are you serious?hell they make hondas for that.im not knocking you but come on.if i had a 71 hemi cuda convertible id air it out now and again.i just cant help myself.dont have a cam choice for you,it just struck me odd on your post.happy hunting on your cam.
Posted By: 6PakBee
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. well, which one - 11/17/12 02:02 PM
Quote:
6401 Summit Cam is an amazing grind perfect for your application--383's need lots less cam than others that unit will idle well still sound Good, Melt tires off idle and pull like a train to about 5000 what more do ya want? And it is CHEAP!!!!!!!!!! I have used that cam in over 30 big mopars--it rocks for street applications with low to med compression like yours--trust me -it is an amazing camshaft 224 234 460?/ 488 exh lift I would install it around 102-103 with gears you plan it is PERFECT!
I looked at that cam and they are recommending a minimum CR of 9.5:1. What ratios have you used this with, specifically what do you mean by "low to med compression"?
Posted By: Mr.Yuck
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. well, which one - 11/17/12 02:39 PM
This will be a 100% street car and will never see anything over 4000 rpm. I need vacuum for brakes and vacuum controlled dash/heater box. I want to run a/c and have it get decent mpg (I'm guessing 16-17???).
well no doubt you will see 4000+, just a guess. As for cam with those weeeeeeeeeek gears I'd go w/ the small summit cam or the old mopar 455 or comp cams 447/455 cam. You do know that going up to 3.23 gears won't make your MPG any worse right? If you want max mpg you'll need a sixpack, but 16 is doable if you keep your right foot nice and easy. Headers would also help w/ mileage and give you 15-20 more HP.
Posted By: lewtot184
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. well, which one - 11/17/12 03:30 PM
comp cams magnum replacement cam part number 21-305-4 (this cam makes good low speed torque), or the mopar 272-.455 (nice torquey driver cam).
Posted By: Anonymous
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. well, which one - 11/17/12 03:33 PM
I have used it with smogger shortblocks all the way to true 10:1 Yea more compression runs better but his application will work great with that cam advanced a little like I mentioned---It will run fine with less CR than they advertise--they gotta put something in that blank--the 6401 will sound great yet is not too big to kill it --it runs like a much smaller cam IMO I usually install it at about 105 in a higher compression and around 102 in lower with fantasic results--best street cam ever for CHEAP
Posted By: BSB67
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. well, which one - 11/17/12 03:33 PM
For your low expectations, any small cam will do.
Just to deviate from the popular choices, I would look at the Crower 32241. I comes with a 112 LSA and 46 dregrees overlap. Its idle characteristics will be vey close to stock. Its lobe rates are more agressive than the factory stuff, less agressive than the Comp XE-H and Voodoo.
Posted By: Anonymous
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. well, which one - 11/17/12 04:40 PM
My pick is $62
Others are near $150 duh.....
Posted By: bobs66440
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. well, which one - 11/17/12 04:46 PM
Quote:
Quote:
6401 Summit Cam is an amazing grind perfect for your application--383's need lots less cam than others that unit will idle well still sound Good, Melt tires off idle and pull like a train to about 5000 what more do ya want? And it is CHEAP!!!!!!!!!! I have used that cam in over 30 big mopars--it rocks for street applications with low to med compression like yours--trust me -it is an amazing camshaft 224 234 460?/ 488 exh lift I would install it around 102-103 with gears you plan it is PERFECT!
I looked at that cam and they are recommending a minimum CR of 9.5:1. What ratios have you used this with, specifically what do you mean by "low to med compression"?
I am using the 6401 in my 440, and I agree. It is an awesome cam in my relatively stock build, but I have 9.35:1 static compression. I went around and around with this also because it was less than 9.5:1. They determined that a point and a half wasn't enough to worry about. 8.8:1 may be though. I would try to bump up the compression or pick a stock cam as mentioned. It will definitely run good with the 6401, but you may be leaving some HP/TQ on the table compared to others.
Posted By: dangina
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. well, which one - 11/18/12 04:11 PM
have you looked at the hughes whiplash cam series?
Posted By: mcmopars
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. well, which one - 11/18/12 06:44 PM
Quote:
have you looked at the hughes whiplash cam series?
he wont need one of these,it will never see 4 grand.
Posted By: Lee446
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. well, which one - 11/18/12 06:45 PM
I agree with Crabman, for your requirements the Summit cam would be perfect and it is on sale for only $58!! I am going to buy one just to keep in stock!
Posted By: Mebsuta
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. well, which one - 11/19/12 02:50 AM
Not that I know anything, but Summit 6401 seems like a big cam for low compression 383 with 2.73. No mention of transmission.
Posted By: RapidRobert
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. well, which one - 11/19/12 04:04 AM
Quote:
Not that I know anything, but Summit 6401 seems like a big cam for low compression 383 with 2.73.
My thoughts too. I'd go with the Summit 6400. I'm assuming it is the same (cheap) price. I was thinking someone also said the 6401 needs a high(er) stall
Posted By: patrick
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. well, which one - 11/19/12 01:18 PM
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/LUN-60300LK/http://www.summitracing.com/parts/LUN-60301I'd go with the voodoo 60300 or 60301.....
apples and fruit loops, but I had a similar duration hydraulic roller in a 9:1 magnum headed 318, pulled real good from idle to about 5500 RPM, plenty of vacuum for brakes and A/C
Posted By: VITC_GTX
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. well, which one - 12/09/12 05:14 AM
I ended up buying the smaller Summit cam (6400, not the 6401). Here are the specs, anyone see a problem in using this cam?
Summit Racing Part Number: SUM-K6400
Cam Style: Hydraulic flat tappet
Basic Operating RPM Range: 1,500-5,000
Duration at 050 inch Lift: 214 int./224 exh.
Advertised Duration: 272 int./282 exh.
Valve Lift with Factory Rocker Arm Ratio: 0.442 int./0.465 exh.
Lobe Separation (degrees): 112
Camshaft Gear Attachment: 1-bolt
Posted By: RapidRobert
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. well, which one - 12/09/12 05:22 AM
Quote:
anyone see a problem in using this cam?
not me, you'll be fine 
Posted By: Mebsuta
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. well, which one - 12/09/12 06:49 AM
Did you get a cam card with it? If they gave you seat-to-seat events for it, like intake opening, closing, etc., am curious to know what they are.
That cam looks similar to factory RR cam, except on 112 LSA instead of 115.
Posted By: JohnRR
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. well, which one - 12/09/12 09:12 AM
Quote:
I ended up buying the smaller Summit cam (6400, not the 6401). Here are the specs, anyone see a problem in using this cam?
You have , use it .
Posted By: moper
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. well, which one - 12/10/12 02:38 AM
You'll do fine with that cam.
Posted By: VITC_GTX
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. well, which one - 12/10/12 07:40 AM
Quote:
Did you get a cam card with it? If they gave you seat-to-seat events for it, like intake opening, closing, etc., am curious to know what they are.
That cam looks similar to factory RR cam, except on 112 LSA instead of 115.
Here is a link to the cam card.
http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/instructions/sum-6400%20cam%20card.pdf
Posted By: Anonymous
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. well, which one - 12/10/12 02:07 PM
It will run great and still melt tires--it will just sound like a stock 318 ---It will have enough vacuum to pull the booster off the firewall
Posted By: patrick
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. well, which one - 12/10/12 02:14 PM
it'll work, might be leaving a little on the table as far as power and/or drivability due to the relatively lazy ramps and longish duration...
Posted By: Streetwize
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. well, which one - 12/10/12 05:19 PM
Crower 271HDP. 222/234@.050 .496/486 lift in 112's in at 107. run the 3.23's and you'll be fine with just a standard 383 converter. If you had more compression or 915 closed chamber heads get it cut on 108 centers.
Crabman (David K's) cam also is a great cam for the $$$, it's the old General Kinetics grind that PAW also sells as their House grind, it's very close to the Crower in duration but has a little less lift. The Crower 271 is one of those Natural cams that just does everything great.
383's love to rev but the trick is to not kill the bottom end, it has to be cammed more like you would a smallblock.
This is an AWESOME cam, maybe the best all-around BBM hydraulic cam ever made. It's also a great stock replacement cam for a 440 six pack or magnum.
Posted By: JohnRR
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. well, which one - 12/10/12 06:08 PM
Quote:
Crower 271HDP. 222/234@.050 .496/486 lift in 112's in at 107. run the 3.23's and you'll be fine with just a standard 383 converter. If you had more compression or 915 closed chamber heads get it cut on 108 centers.
Crabman (David K's) cam also is a great cam for the $$$, it's the old General Kinetics grind that PAW also sells as their House grind, it's very close to the Crower in duration but has a little less lift. The Crower 271 is one of those Natural cams that just does everything great.
383's love to rev but the trick is to not kill the bottom end, it has to be cammed more like you would a smallblock.
This is an AWESOME cam, maybe the best all-around BBM hydraulic cam ever made. It's also a great stock replacement cam for a 440 six pack or magnum.
Bobby , which cam the Crower you list above or the little summit cam ?
Posted By: Streetwize
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. well, which one - 12/10/12 06:31 PM
The Crower
Posted By: Skeptic
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. well, which one - 12/10/12 09:37 PM
That Crower grind sounds a lot like the old Crane 302H 232/242 @ .050" .504"I/528"E 112 LSA. maybe one step down
Posted By: Anonymous
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. well, which one - 12/10/12 09:45 PM
$58!!! On sale now--my pick wins!!
Posted By: Streetwize
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. well, which one - 12/11/12 01:25 AM
I never cared much for those Crane Hydraulics with their generic 'SBC' lobes. I had a buddy with a 69 GTX and he put that 278 Energizer in it. That thing wouldn't Fall out of a Tree with an Energized kick in the Bawlz
Stick with the Crowers , they have several Mopar grinds that just flat out work.
Posted By: VITC_GTX
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. well, which one - 12/11/12 04:28 AM
Quote:
$58!!! On sale now--my pick wins!!
Ding, ding, ding, we have a winner!!!
Posted By: JeffL
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. **Update** - 12/29/12 09:40 PM
Which brand pistons did you use?
Posted By: VITC_GTX
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. **Update** - 12/30/12 12:39 AM
Quote:
Which brand pistons did you use?
I used an older, new, set of TRW 2257P that I bought from another member.
Posted By: Mebsuta
Re: The dreaded "pick a cam for me" thread. **Update** - 04/13/13 05:06 AM
How did this turn out? Have you run that cam? I'm curious.