rjkeller

Hey guys. I just bought a 289 to rebuild and install into my 65 coupe. Just learned that the heads are HiPo. I'd like to maximize street / strip performance and need advice on how to select the right cam. Do I get the original HiPo cam specs and find a close match?

ElkGroveFordGuy

The "RIGHT" cam has everything to do with what you want it to do!
Low rpm Tq. Or High rpm Hp.
You need to get a cam that works with what you are doing with the car!
Call comp cams they can help you figure it out!

cdynaco

Screw low end torque. Make it a loper!

Wish you were close and I could help. Love the 289.

HOSS429

if you have a 4 speed trans you can cam up all you want . i`d go with something at least 292 duration or bigger ..rattle the windows .. if you have a slipomatic you need to stay below 282 duration or so unless you wish to go with a stall converter .lift specs will be about the same .. duration is where you get the rumpity rump ...

HOSS429

this is my 351 windsor with a 305 duration cam ...
[IMG][/IMG]

rjkeller

Thank you guys. Very helpful info! I have a C4 right now, but hope to go to a manual at some point. When it comes to duration, the current cam is a Crane with the following specs:
Cam timing @ .004, intake duration 272 and exhaust duration 284.
Cam timing @ .050, intake 216 exhaust 228.
Which are the figures I care about?

HOSS429

that is an ok cam .. most ford engines have very restrictive exhaust so they have split spec duration cams .. more on the exhaust side to make up ...

rjkeller

Would you recommend something with more duration? The stock HiPo cam has 310 duration. Should I consider a stall converter and go with something more aggressive?

HOSS429

you will never get that big of cam to work with an automatic trans even with trying a stall .. a small block will not build enuff torque to generate the stall you need .. but as you say if you want to switch to a 4 or 5 speed some day .. i dont believe there ever was a 289 hipo with an automatic trans ..i could be wrong ..

rjkeller

You've been VERY helpful! I'm going with the mild cam until I can swap out to a 5 speed T5. I'll get an aggressive cam at that point. Thank you for your help.