L-48 engine rebuild in progress - a few questions on cam to purchase

[polo1134]

I’m in the process of cleaning up the engine and engine bay. I'm planning to add a few bolt-ons for a little more HP. On a tight budget not adding heads. Here’s what I have planned...

Timing Chain/Gear Set
HEI Distributor
Full-Length Headers/2.5 Dual Exhaust
Port matching, mild mods to the Qjet, and Fel-Pro gaskets 
Cam and Lifters

I have questions on what cam to purchase. Looking for more torque but mild enough for my stock heads and engine setup. Would the Xtreme Energy Cam CL12-234-2 and lifter kit be OK to use? It's advertised dur 256/268, lift .447/.454.

Would I notice a difference with this cam compared to my stock L-48 cam? What springs would I have to use? Any other cam suggestions?

Not looking for a miracle cam or HP ratings just want to make it a bit more fun to drive. Just need a little help. Thanks.

[amick]

How much compression is going to be in this motor?

[polo1134]

How much compression is going to be in this motor?

I believe it's 9.0:1. I don't think the mods I am doing will change the compression from stock. Hoping to get a little better off the line acceleration and maybe a touch more HP with a new cam. I believe with the build I am doing most HP will come from the headers and new exhaust.

Thanks.

[amick]

With that type of compression then yes sir I would go with the 12-234-2 cam in this setup. It will be the best cam for your setup. You should see solid gains in performance over a stock cam.

[polo1134]

Thanks for helping me confirm the cam choice! Of course I have more questions...

CompCams website says to replace stock springs. I looked at the related items for the cam and they suggested the 1.230" w/damper springs (part#981-16). Will these work with my stock L-48 heads? I have not pulled the old springs off my heads yet.

I am also planning on getting the High Energy Hydr Lifters (Part#812-16), and the Magnum timing set (part#2100) they suggested on the website.

I think that is all I am going to order. Is there anything else I need to get or defiantly should get? I was planning on using my stock rockers and pushrods. Sorry for all the questions I just want to make sure i have all the bases covered.

Thanks again for your help! Paul

[amick]

Yes sir those lifters and timing set will work fine. The springs should be drop in on those heads. They go in at a 1.700 installed height, so you do need to check to be sure. The other items I would suggest you look at is our Break in Additive (part number 159), which is a high zinc addittive, and our Comp Cams Break in Oil. You should be using both of these products. You will use the our Oil for break in purposes and then you move to whatever oil you prefer but you will need to add a bottle of our additive to it.

[polo1134]

Ok, last question I promise.

When I remove my old spings how do I check them so that I know they go in at 1.700"? Do I just make sure the old ones sit in the heads 1.7 inches? Will there be a recessed lip in the heads that should measure 1.700"?

Sorry never pulled springs before, but there is a first time for everything.

I will get the lifters, timing set, break in additive and break in oil. Good info on that.

I really do appreciate all your help!
Paul

[amick]

You will want to remove the old spring and measure from the head (where the spring sat on it) up to the bottom of the retainer. This will give you what we call installed spring height. If that is 1.700 then your fine. If it is higher then you will need to use shims to get down to the 1.700 height. You can purchase shims direct from us as well.

[polo1134]

OK Aaron, with all your good info I'm gonna have to start paying you! I know I promised no more questions but here's another one.

I measured the installed spring height. The method I used was measuring from the bottom of the spring to the top of the retainer. I then removed the spring and adjusted my first measurement to compensate for the top of the retainer thickness and how far the spring sat in the heads. I roughly got 1 7/8".

Mind you I was using a machined ruler as I do not have any fancy rulers at this time.

Other measurements I noted was the general uninstalled spring height was around 1 31/32", outside dia. was roughly 1 7/32" and inside dia. was roughly 7/8".

I am hoping this info will help determine if the springs COMP Cams recommended will work with my heads. So my measurement of 1 7/8" relates to 1.700 you were referring to correct? I believe the springs will work without the use of shims. I just wanted to run this by you before ordering.

I do have my Dads help with this rebuild but he lives 4 hrs away so I am trying to do somethings on my own and learning along the way. Your help has been greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Paul

[amick]

Your 1 7/8 measurement actually sounds a little high compared the 1.700. If you do math the 7/8 comes out to be 1.875. You do really need to use a mic or a dial caliper though to get a true measurement.