which cam for my 440 build..

I've built a few BB's and SB's over the years and want to try a cam I keep hearing about, good and bad, but was curious if there is something else I could use and get what I'm looking for.

I'd like to try the MP 284/484 cam since I've heard it's a "fender shaker".

This is what I have so far that I plan on using:

440 0.060" over and decked 0.010"
KB 237 pistons ~10:1
Holley 870 Street Avenger
Stealth heads (untouched)
MP ignition

What I plan on getting:

Edelbrock Perf. RPM intake
Headers (no particular size/brand yet)
Stock rockers (possibly adjustable rollers)

I also have a 292/.509 cam and a XE274 cam/lifter kit sitting around.

I used the .509 cam in the 440 I plan on using in a '69 Charger with 3200 stall, 3.55 gears, RPM heads, Super Comp headers, and it thundered. It was a blast to drive.

The car I'm building is a '67 Belvedere II, 3000 stall, 3.55 gears, manual brakes, purely a fun street car. I planned on re-using the 509 cam originally, but I'm thinking of saving it for something else.

I'm looking for a rough idle, but not a dog. From what I read on other threads the stall/gears/CR I'm using shouldn't be a problem with the 484 cam. I'm not sure how rough the XE274 is and not sure if the 509 is too much even though I don't have power anything...it was fine in my Charger but a few things are slightly different.

Is there something else you guys would use in place of the 484 or would the 509 do what I want with the parts I've selected on using?

Thanks

Use that xe274 and stock rockers. The 274 is pretty close in spec to the 284/484 but is a more modern design. The 274 will still have a nice lumpy idle, but be more tame than the 509. For a 3000 stall 10:1 stealth headed 440 with 3.55 gears in a B-body, the 274 is a very good choice IMO.

If you were to upgrade to roller rockers, I would also upgrade to a solid cam.

The 484 cam is dated but still a good stick for a common street car. A friend and I ran one in his 400 powered 69 RoadRunner with a 727 and 3.23 gears. The cam was happy with a stock converter. It was a good all around piece.

There are more modern cams available but I doubt there will be an appreciable difference on a common street car. The cam will talk a little but it's not going to rattle loose screws off the car.

Mopar 484 cam works real good. I used one on a mild 383 and went 11.60's with it.

Thanks

I had the XE274 set aside for something else but if it's comparable I might try it. I know the 484 is dated but I am building a "dated" type build...old school.

Toss it in, you'll be happy!

Just reading your post and I have almost the same set up as you are talking about. It works great when you stand on it from a dead stop and it gets close to 2500 RPM it just pulls like a bear and just keeps pulling.

"rough" "bumpy" idles are overrated. Nowadays it's best to call a custom cam guy and have him grind one up for your application. Both the 509 and 484 really need more than 3.55's to work well.

I'm with Yuck. Having a lumpy idle on a street car tells me the person is more interested in appearances. Either that or he's too ignorant to make a proper cam selection. Or else the car never gets driven except to the drive-in.

Harsh, maybe? I guess so. But I don't believe one can have fun with a car in daily driving if it can't sit at a stoplight and idle for a while, or if the power comes on at 3000 rpm.

R.

Call Bob Karakashian in Michigan, 248-477-7776!