IMO compression ratio should be your first target in an engine build and I wasn't sure what would be the proper ratio for what I wanted the engine to do. Compression ratio determines how much cam I can use. Cam selection determines the RPM range of the engine. RPM range helps determine intake type and carb CFM needed. Doesn't this sound like a logical plan for an engine that is still on the drawing board ? I understand that the 302 Swirl Heads are superior in many aspects to the old 587 or 974 heads but I have also found that,even with the compression loss, the 587s add performance compared to the stock 1.78 valved small port 318 heads and the 587 type is cheaper, more readily available and less likely to be damaged. The old 260H worked well in that time place and application but I already knew that we wouldn't be using that one again. I do understand that we should "Aim Low" during cam selection. We are good with that. Not building this engine to impress the kids at the local drive-in only to have it fall on its face out on the boulevard. Been there. Done that. NOT going back. What are the cam companies to avoid due to their total lack of understanding of what an LA engine wants and are there companies that seem to have better engineering when it comes to this sort of build ? Thanks for the help.
