Stock versus Performance Cams

[Fortunateson]

Well after working on my trans, converting a postwar light truck open drive trans to a closed drive system with most of the LZ stuff I went back to the cam question.

I'm leaning towards Ol'Ron's advice but them I found a little more out... I have two cams actually, one marked 8CM and the other EAC-A. Are either of these cams a good cam for my plans or should I get the Max1 style regrind? No sense spending money if there won't be a noticeable improvement.

[tubman]

"Noticeable improvement" and "no sense spending money"? If either of those cams check out good, use it.

[Fortunateson]

I'm not sure I get your meaning. Are you saying that both of those cams are very close to the Max1 so I should use them? Or are you being a little facetious?

[Phil Gillespie]

Originally Posted by Fortunateson

I'm not sure I get your meaning. Are you saying that both of those cams are very close to the Max1 so I should use them? Or are you being a little facetious?

See comments on these cams in John Lawsons book Flathead Facts.
He has checked and dyno tested cams.
If I had the choice I would go with the Merc cam 8 CM.
Phil NZ

[flatheadmurre]

What are you aiming for ?
You want to cruise mostly with good mileage...go merc cam and single carb !
That 32 will move as fast as you need...and then some..
You want lumpy idle...or have a real heavy rightfoot frequantly used...then maybe a more agressive cam.
I think overcamming and overcarbing engines is the most common fault made...

[Tinker]

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It's a balance. No one thing is right.

Nice car. smoked a few transmissions and clutches.

[tubman]

I am serious. In my opinion, the "seat of the pants" increase in performance isn't worth the extra expense. The specifications of the 1CM are closer to a MAX-1 than a regular 8BA cam.

[flatjack9]

Go with the 8CM.

[Fortunateson]

Originally Posted by tubman

I am serious. In my opinion, the "seat of the pants" increase in performance isn't worth the extra expense. The specifications of the 1CM are closer to a MAX-1 than a regular 8BA cam.

Thank you and I hope you weren't offended by my comment. It seems that the 8CM is the one then. I bought the C8BA engine which never has had any machine work but the interesting part is that it came with a Merc crank, Pistons, and cam. Maybe the factory ran out of C8CM blocks that day...

Any imput on the EAC cam? I'd like to know just so I know for future reference. Thanks!

[tubman]

I have no technical knowledge on the EAC cam, but would expect it to be as good or probably better than the earlier Mercury cam. That extra 15 HP in '52 and '53 didn't all come from an increase in compression.

Anybody have the specs?

[flatjack9]

The EAC cam is essentially the same as the 8CM.

[Ronnieroadster]

Originally Posted by Pete

"Now if you plan on turning 6500 at Bville, that's another story".

6500 won't even get you in the show nowadays. LOL

Pete stop giving away secrets! About the cam I like the 8CM good choice.
Ronnieroadster

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by Fortunateson

So what you are saying is as long as the original springs are in good shape use them, close I could get away with shims?

Original style or type. I would not even think of using used springs once everything is taking apart for a rebuild. Think of the absolute pain in the neck it would be to replace one if it broke. Stock -style springs are under $100. Cheap insurance in my book.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by tubman

A set of Isky 185-G springs (the same ones they supply with their MAX-1 cam and kit) are just a smidge over $100. It would be false economy not to purchase a set.

Agree 100% with going with new springs.