360 cam / valve train help / choices

Sounds like you've done your homework good but I'd like to point out that if you don't deck the block and mill the heads you most likely won't even come close to 10.5 to 1 compression you think you'll have. I built a 360 a couple yrs. back using KB107's and didn't deck the block so the pistons were down in the hole .020" and the stock X heads I had cc'd out at 71 cc's. After milling them the cc's are 66 cc's. That puts the compression at 9.9 to 1. Just thought I'd let you know for reference.

As far as the cam, with that much compression I wouldn't run a Lunati 60401 or 60402 cam because it'll have so much cylinder pressure you'll most likely have a hard time getting it to run right on 93 octane. I have the Lunati 60404 cam and can only run 36 degrees timing before it spark knocks. I keep it at 34 just in case I get some gas that isn't quite up to 93 snuff. I'd go with a 60403 minimum. The 60403 is a real nice cam and thumps pretty good yet is still real torquey. I run stock rocker arms on mine with the 60404 but I wouldn't go any bigger than it on stock valve train parts. In fact they need to be in real good shape to go even that big on the cam IMO. I had no problem with the rocker arms clearing the larger than stock valve springs and retainers. I think the big concern is stock rocker arms aren't super strong and if you go too big on the cam and springs they'll break. Lifter pre-load is also a concern when you get up into bigger cams. Can't say much about the Comp Thumper cams as I haven't ran any or know anybody that has but I know on paper they don't look all that great for power. Just look like their ground to do what their entitled which is "thump".

Oh yeah you may already know this but if you run the 60403 figure on a 2500-2800 stall and if you run the 60404 figure on a 3000 stall if your running an automatic.

I do plan on milling the block whats needed to obtain my target comp. I've went this far, so after a mock up I'll dis-assemble the assy. & have the tops shaved. Thanks for the fyi.....heading that direction already.

?Can I just mock up the four corners to determine piston ht to top of block rather than doing all 8 pistons? Seems like stuffing the two center holes on both sides would be a waste of time. Never went this far on internals so I could be wrong.

Bear with me. You are using stock "stamped" non-adjustable rockers with your Lunati 60404?

What valve springs / retainers n such did you use?

What is your rpm range? / Would you use this same cam-spring combo again?

Lifter pre-load would be dictated by push rod length if non-adj. stamped rockers were used. Correct? A little ahead of the build talking pre-load; however what is the ideal lifter pre-load? As little as possible?

Thanks