385 sbc cam selection

[dmartin1962]

here it comes.....
i run pro 1 215 on my 355,now building a 385,which cam is better of the 2 listed
below.i have both.
comp cams 12-996-9 solid roller..... 276/284 at .050 .630/.630 lift
crower solid roller e-59366 258/263........ .660/.659 lift
crower cam would be run at 12.4 compression
comp would need 13.3 to 1,i can go ethier way.
current info... 355 at 9.75 to 1 in a 1969 nova ss(no street use) brodix hv1 intake
port matched to the heads.... 252/258 .672/.630 comp roller
power glide with a brake and 5400 stall, 10in ladder bar car with 29.5 tire
5.0 gear 9-in
the car runs 7400 in the qtr but runs out of steam around 7100 now,i think the
cam is too short on duration,best et 10.72 @124.24 in real good air,no spray.
last time out hot and humid 1/8 mile 1.58 60 ft (tires are gone) 7.07 at 98.01
next pass was maiden voyage with nx 100 shot 1.46 60 ft. ,,,, 6.52 at 106.39
on the rev limiter 7200 rpm

the new short block is bullet proof,fully machined splayed cap block
eagle 4340 assembly with L-19 bolts
this motor should run about 7800 without the juice in the 1/4,who knows how
fast it will spin with it(i may be going to a 456 gear ?)
so what do you think ,which cam,car weighs 3150 with me in it
dan

[want-a-be]

If you have your choice of compression I'd go for at least 14-1. As far as the cams... either will do. I would lean towards the comp. But I like something more between them. Something around 268-274 duration. I'm not a big fan of the 23deg. intakes from Brodix, but thats my preference.

Keep the 5.0 gear imo. But I like the rpm. Lack of compression in your 355 killed you. You ought to be able to go 1/8th or 1/4 with the 5.0 and be happy enough.

Hope this helps, Don :cool:

[Awesome Bill]

Your not making any power over 7000 right now, thats why it seems to flaten out. Pull that crazy gear out of it and put the 4.56 gear in it, leave that big cam out and watch it fly. that 256/263 will fly with the gear change and larger engine. Secondary, bet you got those little 5/16 push rods! They look like flag poles in a wind storm @ that RPM. Get some shaft rockers and put some 7/16" .165 wall push rods and you will see power up there.