Big Block Rebuild-What Cam?

65 BB Rat · 07-31-2009, 09:03 PM

I have a 1965 396, going though a complete rebuild. I need a little help on what cam I should be looking for. I have heard all the stories about the cam failures. I am wanting to keep that solid lifer sound. I would like to have it judged someday either by NCRS or Bloomington. So I hear that they are looking for that solid lifter sound as well. Would like to keep it fairly close to stock as far as lift and duration. Will be driving it mostly locally and maybe a little farther but nothing across country or from state to state. Should I stay with stock, or go to some sort of roller cam and if so could I get that solid lifter sound. Thanks

billla · 08-01-2009, 05:19 PM

Just a quick note to get in writing from your machine shop not to touch the pad when they deck the block

Need more info - gears, trans, etc.

rahaul · 08-06-2009, 08:13 AM

If you are considering judging, it will limit your options. I would definately go with a roller with solids to get the correct sound. You might double check with someone closer to NCRS on this than me. I have been out of the loop for several years. Judging is getting very picky. It has to have the exact original sound and lifter clatter or you loose points. I used to judge 63-64 interiors at the Nationals.
From my first hand experience with BB Chevys, I believe flat tappet cam failure can be mosting attributed to the cam/ lifter geometry. There are a whole host of reasons for roller failure but enough has been learned over the years that it is by far the best choice. I am building mine right now. My 65 is a driver and is built for fuel mileage. I got "attatched" to this 454 LS6 and didn't want to part with it after running 1/4 mile. I have a hard time convincing gearheads that it is possible to make a BB get more than 10 MPG. I've been doing it since 1996 getting consistant 23-24 MPG. We do alot of cross country driving.

Simmo · 10-01-2009, 02:29 AM

Id stick with a flat tappet solid cam, its a safer bet, failed roller cams can ruin lots of parts. Isky makes a quality lifter with an oiling hole on the face that will help make it live.

mr.beachcomber · 10-09-2009, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 65 BB Rat

...I am wanting to keep that solid lifer sound. I would like to have it judged someday either by NCRS or Bloomington. So I hear that they are looking for that solid lifter sound as well. Would like to keep it fairly close to stock as far as lift and duration...

You have two options from Comp Cams. The first is a repo of the factory cam while the second is an updated profile for the LS-6 cam. Either of these should satisfy your need for a solid lifter cam that is close to stock in lift, duration, and sound.

Hope this helps!