My Crane Cam Any Good?

quote:

Crane HMV-278-2A

Here are the specs I found online for your cam:

Current Part Numbers: 523801 &/or 523802 (specs appear to be identical)
http://cranecams.com/?show=bro...r=523801&lvl=2&prt=5
http://cranecams.com/?show=bro...r=523802&lvl=2&prt=5

Part Number: 523801 Grind Number: H-278-2 (REPLACES HMV-278-2A)
Engine Identification:
Start Yr. End Yr. Make Cyl Description
1970 1982 FORD-MERCURY 8 GOOD IDLE, DAILY PERFORMANCE USAGE, MILD BRACKET RACING, AUTO TRANS W/2000+ CONVERTER, 3000-3400 CRUISE RPM,9.5 TO 10.75 COMPRESSION RATIO ADVISED. BASIC RPM 2200-5200
Engine Size Configuration
351-351C C.I. V

Valve Setting: Intake .000 Exhaust .000 HOT

Lift: Intake @ Cam 3114 @Valve 539 All Lifts are based on zero lash and theoretical rocker arm ratios.
Exhaust @ Cam 3089 @Valve 534
Rocker Arm Ratio 1.73

Cam Timing: TAPPET @.004
Lift: Opens Closes ADV Duration
Intake 26 BTDC 72 ABDC 278 °
Exhaust 80 BBDC 30 ATDC 290 °

Spring Requirements: Triple Dual Outer Inner
Part Number 99837
Loads Closed 90 LBS @ 1.828 or 1 53/64
Open 269 LBS @ 1.308
Recommended RPM range with matching components
Minimum RPM 2200
Maximum RPM 5200
Valve Float 6500

Cam Timing: TAPPET @.050
Lift: Opens Closes Max Lift Duration
Intake 2 BTDC 40 ABDC 109 222 °
Exhaust 56 BBDC (2) BTDC 119 234 °


It's difficult to say if it's "any good" since you didn't list any details about what you want; more power? smoother or lumpier idle? better gas mileage? etc. If your current power/performance is satisfactory, then it's fine. With closed chamber heads you'll make more power. And aluminum heads will reduce detonation and allow you to safely run a higher compression ratio (which you will get with aluminum closed chamber heads).

What is your budget? If you change cams, you're likely going to embark on an entire rebuild rather than just a head swap. Is your budget ready for a $5,000-$6,000 rebuild?

If you intend to change the cam, you may want to consider a roller lifter cam so you don't have to contend with the wear issues associated with the lack of ZDDP in today's motor oil. You should currently be using an oil with a ZDDP content, such as Valvoline VR1 Racing, or a ZDDP additive since you presently have a flat tappet cam.

Ron,

this is a nice little street cam, more cam than the cobra jet cam, with the right parts probably make 375 BHP. A good compliment for 2V heads & a Performer intake.

The intake lobe center line is specified at 109 degrees ATDC, the lobe center separation angle is 114 degrees. They got the intake valve closing point (at 0.050") set right at 40 degrees ABC. This cam should have a flatter wider power band that doesn't drop off like falling off a cliff after peak BHP, in other words it should have some decent over-rev, especially if you combine it with good springs, anti-pump-up lifters and some adjustable rocker arms. Advancing the cam about 4 degrees should smooth the idle a little and wake up some more low rpm response.

-G

Thanks for the feedback from both of you...