Cam selection recommendations

[Tom Kochtanek]

OK, don't be mad, while the guys went off to Clay City to race and socialize, I've gone ahead and started on that 1961 Pontiac build. First up was the engine, which is now disassembled with parts on order. I felt so bad about doing this 428/455 (because it is not a "W" engine) that I decided to challenge myself to a "parallel build off" doing both the Pontiac engine and another "W" engine I have laying around, at the same time :).

My first "W" was done under the watchful eye of James Schrader, local hotrodder and fabricator extraordinaire. I was the idiot apprentice who followed orders and assembled and reassembled things over and over again. You'd think I'd have enough experience, but I thought otherwise. So while I work on the Pontiac engine with James (at his shop), I've decided to do a "parallel" assembly on a "W" engine by myself at my house in the basement. My objective is to get more experience under direct oversight from James, then come home and duplicate that on a "W" build. Think of it as a confidence builder!

My choice to build is the "E 24 61" dated "068" block I have that is .060" over. Stock 409 crank with stock rods and .060 Mickey Thompson 11:1 forged pistons. Heads will be 1147s with big valves. Intake will be three twos, using stock carbs.

What I am missing is the cam specs. I'm not so good at selecting these. I am looking for recommendations on cam specs. Going in a street driver (hopefully the '61 Bel Air sport coupe someday), not a race car. What would you put in this build? Gotta be solid lifters. I am currently partial to Comps cams and lifters, used 'em in my first build and like 'em so far. Am open to any and all recommendations. Think of it as a "community build" :). I look forward to your recommendations.

Thanks!
TomK

[jim_ss409]

Okay, Here's a Comp solid flat tappet cam that looks good...
XS 268 S
Advertised duration... 268 intake 274 exhaust
Duration @ .050........ 230 intake 236 exhaust
Valve lift with 1.7 rocker... .553 intake .568 exhaust
Lobe separation angle... 110 deg.

One size smaller (262) would also work but with 11 to 1 compression you might run into detonation.

One size bigger (274) would work too but it might raise the power band higher than you might want to go with stock rods.

This is just my guess. Don't put too much stock in it though because I'm no expert.:D

[dq409]

Hey Tom,,,,, Wouldn`t a Tri-Powered 409 in that Pontiac be one cool head turner???:brow
Shoot,,,,, any schmuck can put a 455 in a Poncho !!!:takethat


Sorry ,,, couldn`t resist,,,dq:D

[Tom Kochtanek]

DQ makes a good point ("W" engine in a '61 Poncho, ala "Canadian style" :).

Alas, I feel compelled to put four speeds behind 409s and 348s, but not behind a 428/455 Pontiac engine. Not sure why, but the steering column, pedal, and bellcrank mechanisms for four speed 1961 Pontiacs are even more pricey than for 409 stuff (something like $2K for a less than complete kit). Trust me, I've thought of what it might look like... I'm just not ready to put an automatic trans behind a "W" yet, but that time might come!

Cheers!

TomK

[dq409]

O come on,,, where have your fabrication skills gone?:doh

are those prices for stock stuff ?

I bet the chevy three speed stuff would work with a few minor mods,,,,,

4 speed, positraction, dual quad, 409 Pontiac !!:brow dq

[threeimpalas]

O come on,,, where have your fabrication skills gone?:doh

....

I bet the chevy three speed stuff would work with a few minor mods,,,,,

4 speed, positraction, dual quad, 409 Pontiac !!:brow dq


What he said. :D You could even use a hydraulic setup to avoid having to figure out and fabricate the mechanical linkages. It obviously wouldn't be vehicle correct, but would still be period correct.

Looks like I "shoulda" not passed up that '61 4-speed wagon I had the chance to get (decided to choose a Chevy, instead). :doh

[Skip FIx]

Tom, any Pontiac questions drop me a line. For a 4 speed behind a 428 or 455 you need to look aftermarket, or save for the broken pieces.

Remember a solid will be milder than a hydraulic of the same duration @ 0.050.

A friend has a Bullet solid 235 @ 0.050 in his Pontiac 455 HO. Sounds like a stocker at idle, I'd look for something hotter. Look at thw duration @ 0.050 of the 425 HP 409 cam, bigger. Newer lobe designs have shorter seat duration so they can help idle also.