help on 440 cam selection

[raj]

   Any suggestions for a cam welcome. I have a new rebuilt 440 that i purchased from a guy and i want to put a hydrolic cam in it and i can not get the info i want. This is what i have  456 gears, 4speed, headers, edelbrock performer or a torker intake, stock ignition, 8 quart pan, have not purchased a carb yet, compression at 9-1 stock rods and pistions, want to run 2500-6000 rpm would like
a nice sound at idel. will i have to change the valve springs. Thanks for the help    

[matt63]

You should select a cam that matches the intake.  The intake should be selected based on your rpm range.  With 9:1 compression I would say no more than 235 degrees duration at 0.050 especially if you have stock heads.  Your best bet is to phone the tech guys at Crane, Hughes, Comp Cams, etc.  Perhaps someone else here can add to this.

[Dave-R]

Also the valve springs have to match the cam selection. So they will probably have to be changed to suit unless they just happen to be the correct spec.

[kudakidd]

a cam with 235-239 dgrees duration and about .485" lift will fit your bill and give you the 'sound' you want.

[moper]

With the gearing and stick, I would go with the XE274HL. But, be prepared to do a little extra on the cam break in. It will need to be broken in with the inner springs removed, then they get installed. And, the heads will need the spring seats cut down and the guides arrorwed if they weren't for double springs. That low compression will hurt going much bigger, and that's a lot of gear for something smaller.