1978 360 cam upgrade

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

   I’m looking at a cam replacement, the comp cams High Energy 212/212 Hydraulic Flat Cam for AMC 290-401 seems like a good enough for my casual driver. Has vlv lift of 0.447” I/E Both.
Or 
High Energy 218/218 Hydraulic Flat Cam for AMC 290-401 Has vlv lift of 0.458”
Not positive I can get away with the second cam spec usage.
So need to know a few things here from experiences.
I intend to use use my stock torque converter.

And will Either one cam work with OEM geometry-Bridge Rockers ?
Will be doing this with a vlv job at same time, The shop verifies the spring bind clearances once I know which one I can use.
Thx

Author	Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic
RobinPDX Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Apprentice Joined: Dec/07/2020 Location: Oregon Status: Offline Points: 191	Post Options Post Reply Quote RobinPDX Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: 1978 360 cam upgrade Posted: Jan/20/2021 at 4:25pm
	I’m looking at a cam replacement, the comp cams High Energy 212/212 Hydraulic Flat Cam for AMC 290-401 seems like a good enough for my casual driver. Has vlv lift of 0.447” I/E Both. Or High Energy 218/218 Hydraulic Flat Cam for AMC 290-401 Has vlv lift of 0.458” Not positive I can get away with the second cam spec usage. So need to know a few things here from experiences. I intend to use use my stock torque converter. And will Either one cam work with OEM geometry-Bridge Rockers ? Will be doing this with a vlv job at same time, The shop verifies the spring bind clearances once I know which one I can use. Thx
	Rob Wiley

IB Sorgn Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Supporter of TheAMCForum Joined: Dec/17/2012 Location: Kentucky Status: Offline Points: 192	Post Options Post Reply Quote IB Sorgn Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jan/27/2021 at 1:24pm
	I would think that Comp Cams should be able to answer your questions. One thing I would be concerned with is, has the motor been worked on or modified in the past. Years ago I replace a big lift cam with one similar to your second choice and had to change both my rocker arms and push rod lengths to obtain the proper valve geometry.
	Madd X

RobinPDX Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Apprentice Joined: Dec/07/2020 Location: Oregon Status: Offline Points: 191	Post Options Post Reply Quote RobinPDX Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Jan/27/2021 at 9:57pm
	Engine is a 100% OEM. Plan on doing a vlv job to accommodate the larger lift springs and general fresh up top end. It has 82K orig miles, so I figured on doing the top end and cam swap same time. Have the tools to do a geometry verify Rocker tip meets center vlv tip region @50 % cam Lift yada yada, to do the task absolutely I say is a must do verify.. Done proper, NO guesswork, and data spec then, can can be known and passed on if needed. Most guys just “throw a cam IN” and DON't do this simple procedure. NOT wise IMHO. A few hours & $100 bucks in extra tools for a significant important task. Make it work right. So one concern is my stock OEM torque converter can allow the higher rpm a bigger cam will run OK without dragging the engine down and cause stahl or bog issues. Any thoughts on point?
	Rob Wiley