Cam selection vs Velocity and Flow.

Cuda416 said
Quick followup, I was able to find the math for port c/s determination at

Porting Pointers - Hot Rod Engine Tech

Ac/s=CYLvol x RPM)/88,200

Looks like a 408 want's around 3.78 sq/in of intake ?

OK! Let’s say this is dead on for your needs. What is the ports dimensions? A stock port is in the 1 x 2 area-ish or so? In an aftermarket head, what are those sizes? And from what head? Then, after you look through all the heads available, what are there port size in cc and there flow rates? If that doesn’t become muddy enough for you…. The further down the rabbit hole of “Optimum” parts you go down the he more frustrating it can become. But it is something you can solve. It can depend on the amount of money you’d willing to spend as well. It “Adjust/Modify” parts. LOL!

Here is the KISS method;

Select the style of lifter for the cam and the cams duration you want your displacement to perform in and equip the the short block with the best flowing cylinder heads & intake your pocket allows and top it with a great carb. (Tunability with enough cfm.)

Remember!
There is no need to go crazy on lift and valve springs on a street engine. You can still have a great performer with a modest lift cam and decent heads for a nice street machine.

If you want a heavy hitting street machine, you know the trade offs. I’m willing to live with them on some of my cars. Not so much with other ones.