Cam Choice for 60 Fuelie

[Bob Simard]

My 60 fuelie currently has a 327 block with flattop pistons and 461 heads. The two cam choices that I am aware of are the LT-1 cam with solid lifters and the 151 cam advanced 4 degrees with Rhoades lifters. Which is the better choice for driveability. This motor rarely sees 4000 rpm, and usually runs in the 2500 to 3500 range. Thanks.

[Duke W.]

Re: Cam Choice for 60 Fuelie

My first choice would be the LT-1 cam and enjoy the power curve from 5000 to 6500, but if you're really serious about your rev range preference the best choice would be the 300 HP cam. It will idle butter smooth at 500-600 and have an easy 300 lb-ft of torque by 1500. That's driveability!!!

With stock OE 461s, the useable rev range will extend to about 5000. If you pocket port, port match and do a three angle valve job it will rev useably to 5500.

Forget the Rhoades lifters. Use standard OE type hydraulic lifters.

Duke

[Ed Jennings]

Re: Cam Choice for 60 Fuelie

Duke is right that the 300 hp cam would probably make the smoothest idle and more low end torque, but I would still opt for the 151 cam or the L82 cam. It will give a bit more "Corvette sound", and still have plenty of low end.

My 62 327 fuelie has an aftermarket cam that is supposedly much more agressive than the 151 and it still will move a 3200# car around at low speed without a lot of effort. If you had the stock 283, low end torque would be more of an issue.

[Bob Simard]

Cam Choice for 60 Fuelie

I do enjoy occasional trips to 6000 rpm, but with a Richmond six-speed 80 mph happens at about 3000 rpm. I currently have the 097 cam, but would like more low end torque with that great Corvette sound.

[Dave Suesz]

I have used many Rhoads lifters...

In 'Vettes, Mustangs, even a few boats. My favorite combination was the 327/350hp cam & Rhoads lifters. This combo gives full cam profile from 3000 up, and idles very smoothly. Later I tried it on the twin Chevy 350's in my Dads boat, I could get a smooth idle at 400 rpm (good for docking), plenty of torqe to pop up, and 5000 rpm cruise for an hour. I recently had a set of OE roller lifters converted by Rhoads for an 89 'Vette, with excellent result. This must be a popular conversion, because I see where Rhoads is now stocking Chevy rollers. Anyway, back to your question- 327/350 cam & Rhoads would be the most driveable combination I can think of.

[Clem Z.]

Re: I have used many Rhoads lifters...

and it gives that "solid lifter" sound

[Dave Suesz]

Yes, that would be a plus in a fuelie...

The Rhoads "tic" sounds like a well adjusted solid lifter.

[John H.]

Re: Yes, that would be a plus in a fuelie...

We use Rhoads roller lifters in the Viper as OEM equipment - helps pass the idle and cold-start portion of emission certification, then they tighten up to put a smile on the owner's face when they put their foot in the "torque-monster"