[AdamCali65]

Hey all,

I was wondering if I could get any insight on a realistic gain from a new cam in a 351w. The engine has a performer intake and 600cfm carb. I have been looking at either the XE250H or the XE262H. The car is a weekend driver and never sees track time, only street.

Thanks,
Adam

 

[Guest]

Hey all,

I was wondering if I could get any insight on a realistic gain from a new cam in a 351w. The engine has a performer intake and 600cfm carb. I have been looking at either the XE250H or the XE262H. The car is a weekend driver and never sees track time, only street.

Thanks,
Adam

Hello adam;


what heads do you have?

the 250 cam is similar to a stock one so no real gains there imo.

the xe262h is a mild cam for a 351.

if you want to "feel" a cam at all you need at least an xe268h or similar imo. this is a nice upper low to mid range cam.

i use a lot of xe274h's. this will cause a noticeable rough idle and will make your car run strong mid to upper mid if you have 3.50-3.73 gears but you need high perf heads and at least 9.5 compression, headers and rpm type intake to optimize its potential. if your bottom end is stock with cast pistons i would not run anything bigger than the xe268h


351w at Idle xe274h

351w 185 afr heads driving xe274h

.....

 

[woodsnake]

To only change the cam, with out looking at the rest of the drive train, won't do a whole lot of good. Any decent cam change in a car with an automatic transmission, will require a new torque converter as well as a new set of gears. You will also need to check and confirm your valve train geometry.
It really depends on what you want out of the car....If you just want a bit more pick up, you can find real gains in the ignition system. If you want a quicker car, with out the hassle of a cam change and a new torque converter, then perhaps just change out the rear gear to a 3.25 or a 3.50.
Headers, 2 1/2 inch exhaust with some free flowing mufflers will also help the engine breathe.
Since a cam change is fairly invasive, you want to get the full benefit out of your cash and effort!
But, (and I say this from experience) to only change the cam, without changing anything else, will not be a very rewarding experience. However, when it all works together, cam and torque converter, with the rear gears, driving a car becomes a whole new, much more fn and rewarding experience!