302 DZ Engine... What is the best Cam to run??

[dannystarr]

Hey everyone, can anybody tell me what is the best Solid Lifter Cam to run in the 69' 302. It's going to be a stock engine with basic stock specs. Stock 186 heads no porting. I have seen many different ones, but thought it best to ask people that have built many of these engines. Would like to run new technology, and don't care to run the 30/30. Just what is comparible but advanced and updated. I was also wondering if it would be smart to run roller tipped rockers, but I heard they don't clear stock 69' valve cover's. Any help would be appreciated, as there is SO many Cam company's.......Danny

[JohnZ]

You need to be very careful with cam selection for a 302 if you have the stock 11:1 pistons. The stock "30-30" cam has late intake valve closing timing to reduce the rate of cylinder pressure build at low-to-medium rpm, which reduces the dynamic compression ratio and allows it to run detonation-free on pump premiium fuel.

Most aftemarket cams close the intake valve much sooner (in the quest for more power), and may put you in a difficult situation in terms of running without detonation on pump premium with 11:1 pistons. If you talk to techs at the cam companies, make SURE you tell them you have 11:1 pistons and iron heads; it will dramatically reduce their offerings (if they tell you the truth).

[Kelley W King]

I have roller tip rockers on mine with stock valve covers. I do not know the brand. They were on the car when I bought it. They are different though because they have caps on the valve stem the roller rides on.

[Jerry@CHP]

Find a good set of original "O" stamped rockers.  That's what we have to use in Stock Eliminator and they are bullet proof.  My engine sees 8600 rpm on a regular basis.  If you can't find them, the Manley #46140 rocker arms are the next best choice.  The roller rockers and roller tipped rockers are not needed for street applications.  And they have been known to come apart too.  More moving parts means more issues.

Jerry

[dannystarr]

Thanx much Jerry... Can you tell me what Cam Company and Part # you use when rebuilding a 302 for a customer? Again, just a stock 302 that MIGHT see 6,000 RPM on a good day.......Danny

[Gramps69Z]

Used the search function and found this.


http://camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=6226.msg40799#msg40799

[dannystarr]

Thanx guys, but I see 2 different numbers??  Part # 46140 and Part # 43140. Is it because the 43140 are LONG SLOT? Should I get the long slot? So I can wind it up higher in RPM's? ..... Sorry, never built an engine before.......Danny

[flyingskibiker]

I'm not sure about any of the numbers.  But long slot rockers are used with high lift cams.  The longer slot allows clearance between the rocker arm mounting stud and the rocker arm when the valve is open  Without the longer slot, there is a possibility that there would be contact and/or binding due to the high lift cam.  This clearance is one of the things that is checked prior to final assembly.

[dannystarr]

Well guys, I am learning. I have been a plumber for 23 years and can fix just about anything from T.V.'s , Guitars, Washing Machines, Car's, Off shore oil rig's and 40 story high rises in the 80's, to working on the USS Missouri and a couple Nuclear Carrier's and Submarines with top secret clearance. But I never built an engine. Not even in H.S. auto shop. So thanx for all the advice and future advice.

[JohnZ]

Well guys, I am learning. I have been a plumber for 23 years and can fix just about anything from T.V.'s , Guitars, Washing Machines, Car's, Off shore oil rig's and 40 story high rises in the 80's, to working on the USS Missouri and a couple Nuclear Carrier's and Submarines with top secret clearance. But I never built an engine. Not even in H.S. auto shop. So thanx for all the advice and future advice.

You might consider buying one of the "How To Rebuild Your Small-Block Chevy" books, either by David Vizard or by Larry Atherton - they'll take a lot of the mystery out of it, and answer most of your questions as you go along.

[dannystarr]

Hey JZ, good idea. I have one of those that was giv'in to me, however it is for a small block Ford. I will get the Chevy one. And again, I thank everyone for the info.. Danny

[Jerry@CHP]

We use the Comp Cams version of the 30-30 cam.  You want the long slot rockers.

Jerry

[dannystarr]

Thanx Jerry M.,......... Jerry did you happen to get my want list email. I know you apparently get up to 500 emails a day! I also emailed ya about how your documentation service works. I have since gotten a few parts off that list. And also read info on your website about how you run your business. Could you tell me when you are coming to CA. Do you have the date yet? I am working on getting this car, and was hoping to possibly meet up. I am minutes from your last trip out location. Is there a certain time you can give me to call, with a specific phone number to use?.....Danny

[Jerry@CHP]

I'll be heading back to CA later this summer.  Probably August.

Jerry

[sd1968z28]

what is wrong with the gm off road cam,  price is right and it works like crazy.