409 camshaft selection

[John Milner]

I'm building a 409 for my 1940 Chevrolet Coupe. What camshaft would work good in my build?

I will be running the following:

'64 409 truck block, standard bore, I plan to add the 425 horse pistons so I would estimate that my compression should be about 10:1.
333 heads with 2.19 intake valves added, will add the proper springs for the camshaft that is chosen.
Stock big port 4 barrel intake with 750 Edelbrock carb
Stock truck exhaust manifolds for now, will add headers when I figure out what kind will fit my chassis
Stock rods with ARP bolts
Stock forged 425 horse pistons
Stock rockers and pushrods

Basically I am just refreshing my 11,000 mile 409 truck engine and adding a cam, intake, 425 horse pistons, new rings/bearings/seals and adding bigger intake valves to the heads. I'm sure the 425 horse pistons are very heavy but I don't plan on spinning it past 5,500 rpm or so. I also do not want to bore my engine since it does not need it.

The car will be running a 4 speed and I do not have my rear gears selected yet. I might run somewhere around a 3:73 or so. I don't plan on taking it to a race track. I just want something that will sound good and build plenty or torque. I would prefer to use a hydraulic flat tappet. What camshaft would work good with my combination?

 

[Don Jacks]

Show Cars 00951 for a 409.It'll love a 3.55 or 3.70 gear,no deeper.

 

[John Milner]

That sounds like it will do what I am looking for. Thanks for your help.

 

[Fathead Racing]

Show Cars 00951 for a 409.It'll love a 3.55 or 3.70 gear,no deeper.

What are the specs on that cam Don?

 

[64ss409]

Show Cars used to have spec sheets for all their cams. I don't see them anymore, or am I looking in the wrong place?

 

[Don Jacks]

Ray,adv.268 in.,280 ex.,224 in.,230 ex.@.050,lift is .530 in., .535 ex.Lobe separation is 110,and a 106 intake centerline.It has really good low and lower mid range[pulls like a bitch in the 2500-4500 range] and will pull up to about 5500, maybe a little more depending on breathing.

 

[Fathead Racing]

Ray,adv.268 in.,280 ex.,224 in.,239 ex.@.050,lift is .530 in., .535 ex.Lobe separation is 110,and a 106 intake centerline.It has really good low and lower mid range[pulls like a bitch in the 2500-4500 range] and will pull up to about 5500, maybe a little more depending on breathing.

I like it! I was thinking tops, 234/234 @ .050. Next pick, 228/234 @ .050. 110/106. Lots of grunt. Should pop the tires in three gears, maybe four on a good day.

 

[Don Jacks]

Ron,I think that it's on the site,but tricky to find.I keep a couple of catalogs for reference.

 

[Don Jacks]

The ex.duration on that cam is 230 at .050,not 239.

 

[Fathead Racing]

I think the cam that was stolen from you was 234/234 @.050".

 

[Fathead Racing]

Solid roller.

 

[Fathead Racing]

Or was that solid flat tappet? The one I sold you.

 

[Don Jacks]

Roller,but it was a split pattern,230-236 @ .050 on 110.Small,yes,but it ran good in your 9.7 or so stock stroke 409.Like low 12's in a 4200 llb.car kinda good.

 

[Fathead Racing]

Roller,but it was a split pattern,230-236 @ .050 on 110.Small,yes,but it ran good in your 9.7 or so stock stroke 409.Like low 12's in a 4200 llb.car kinda good.

12.20 on the nose.