454 cam recommendations.
 

I need some guidance from the experts in sYc. I have a 454 that I want to retro fit a hydraulic roller cam setup into it. The motor is fresh rebuild with nearly everything new. The CR is right at 10:1. The block is a 3999289 from a 73’ truck. The front of the block has the two threaded holes on each side of the cam … Thrust plate mounting? The heads are 3931063 with 2.19/1.88 valves and LS6 valve springs … they have been port matched and slight bowl work. I have full length headers into a 3” system. I have a Weiand intake and 3310-2 carb. I am putting the motor in a 70 Nova w/TH-400 and slight increase in converter stall. Rear gears are 3.42 posi. The Nova will be 95% on the street and a shot at the strip to see what it’ll turn. One of the cams I have been looking at is the factory HO454/502 hydraulic roller … good? With all that being said I need suggestions. Thanks all!

Probably get as many opinions as there are a holes.

If you want an off the shelf item, I would call Eric Jackson (VintageMusclecar).
http://www.vintagemusclecarparts.com/

If you are willing to go custom, contact Chris Straub at Straub Technologies.
https://straubtechnologies.com/

These guys deal with so many different combinations that they will have insight that most won't. A friend that happened to have a good / bad experience with a particular camshaft may not have the exact same combo you are putting together.

Sounds like ton of fun in a Nova.

Yes make use of the thrust plate/holes and use a GenV step nose cam - makes it very easy for the swap. I like Bullet Cams they have all the UDHarold designs, just use the best hyd rollers you can get.

camshaft choice...
 

I have used the GM BB hydraulic roller 502/502 cam in the 454 HO motor...it runs good and makes decent power. Pretty sure we had to use a specific distributor gear??? Aluminum heads with bigger valves and we have an Edelbrock Performer RPM, 750 or 800 Holley, TH400 with ATI convertor.

Hope that helps...

As mentioned, Eric is a good guy to run these deals by...he can help!!

-wilma

Wilma - was that the 12366543 or 24502611? Thanks ... Craig

Thanks Wilma ... I'm sure I will need to use a thrust plate instead of the cam button. My block is already drilled and has 1/4" tapped holes on the front of block next to the cam. What roller lifters did you use? ... Craig

Camshaft...
 

We used the 502/502 cam...#543

Not sure about the lifters, most likely used the stock units that came with the 454HO motor. I do recall we added Eddy aluminum heads...couldn't get the small chamber [100cc] ones, so we milled the larger ones to help raise the compression...this required special pushrods.

Overall the motor runs and sounds great...pretty good power for what it is.

-wilma

Tom, Lynn, thanks for the plug.


I can help with either a shelf or a custom grind camshaft if you're still looking. My contact info is in my profile.

Eric

Didn't even consider it a plug. I just know you always have taken care of me on my projects.