1961 Cam Recommendation

[Joel T.]

Hi,

I have a 1961 283/245 and was thinking about moving up to a hotter cam, more in line with the solid lifter version which is found in the 270HP version. Does anyone have a recommendation for a particular grind?

Thx,

Joel

[William C.]

Re: 1961 Cam Recommendation

Why? you are trading performance in an RPM band that you use every time you drive for performance in an RPM band that you will use seldom if ever?

[Duke W.]

Re: 1961 Cam Recommendation

The L-79 cam should work well - about the same duration as the Duntov, but less overlap, which is good. It will have less low end torque, but will be stronger over 3500-4000.

I recommend avoiding aftermarket cams. In the same duration range as the L-79 cam (221 deg. @ .050" lifter rise) they have too much overlap, which will just kill low end torque without returning anything at the top end. The L-79 cam is still the best available SB street high-perf hydraulic cam. The next step up is a mechanical lifter cam to extend the rev range to 6500-7000.

Duke

[Joel T.]

Re: 1961 Cam Recommendation

Hi,

I understand what you are saying... The car has 4.11 gears so I am really looking to extend the usable RPM range and get a few more ponies in the process...

Joel

[William C.]

I'm with Duke, L-79 is the way to go if you go *NM*