Im new on here, so I have been searching and searching looking for a good camshaft that I would like. I think I might have it narrowed down to two. Either the XE275HL, I have been reading a lot about that one, and comp cams recommended the PP280H. Which one would you guys think? Its going in a 440, its got a pertronix distributor, edelbrock performer intake, holley 750 carb, stock convertor right now but can upgrade, It has the stock 3.23 ratio but I think im gonna go a little lower. Its got the stock heads on it right now but I plan on upgrading them sometime. Im looking to have a good lopey idle, not going to race it so i think the rpm range is fine with those two cams? Any input will help. Thanks
Joined: Tue Oct 11 2005, 01:33AM
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Posts: 5893
Your engine compares fairly closely to mine. I also pondered he cam question and eventually settle on an Edelbrock 2192 - Edelbrock Performer-Plus Camshaft Kit. Chrysler 383/400/440 .420''/.442'' Lift 270°/280° Adv. Duration Idle-5500 RPM Range
My car also has 3:23 limited slip rear end stock 906 heads Edelbrock 2191 - Edelbrock Performer Manifold Edelbrock 1411 - Edelbrock 750 cfm Performer Carburetor Edelbrock 7804 - Edelbrock Performer-Link Timing Chain Set
We had problems with the 750 cfm carb and after discussions with Edelbrock I down sized to a 1406 - 600 cfm. All the problems went way. Edelbrock said the 600 cfm was good for engines upto 500 or so HP.
I also installed a hi-stall torque converter, which was a mistake. It locks up around 2,400 rpm, great for racing but pretty dumb for cruising. The 3:23 gearing at 60 mph has the engine running around 2,200 rpm. The slipping generates a lot of heat and the transmission runs hot. I am going to go back to the stock converter (about 1,800 stall)
A final point to ponder, car weight. Mine is a 70 Fury convertible and it needs lots of low end torque to get it moving. Too much cam trades low end torque for high end rpm and HP. I prefer lots of low end torque!! So looking at the big picture, rpm range isn't as important as low end off the line torque.
Joined: Sat Mar 29 2008, 03:36PM
Location: North eastern Wis.
Posts: 1638
RPM range is indeed a major factor of low end torque. Happens much lower than high horsepower race car jazz. You are correct in thinking the big heavy car needs grunt not high end horsepower. The torque converter is as much a factor as cam. I usually look to stock 3/4 ton truck parts for cam and converter. Much cheaper than the "boy racer" parts too. Gets the barge off the line real nice and keeps up with regular traffic. I don't use my barge for highway commute traffic. It is a 2 lane black top cruiser for me. Surprises a lot of folks at stop signs.
I would stick to a smaller camshaft.Something along the lines of the old 260 or 268 high energy line or a modern equivalent like the Lunati Voodoo line.Duration @ .050 should be no more than the 212*-218* range.
The 275HL is way overkill for stock heads with no porting IMO.
