1968 Cuda FB 318 cam question?

[yotah1]

Hi everyone

Currently rebuilding my 68 Fastback. Came with a 318 and A904 trans, not checked the rear axle yet though.

I want to get a bit more out of the engine which will be machined completely. It seems to have been rebuilt about 10 years ago looking at the crankshaft and rods condition.

I measured everything and it will be .030" overbored with KB hypereutectic pistons, keeping the stock 1.78/1.50 valves with new seats and guides, port matching the heads, etc.

Setup will be :

Edelbrock Performer 4bbl 600cfm carburetor (electric or manual choke, I didn't look into that yet actually, don't even what the car has from stock)

Edelbrock Performer dual plane intake

long tube headers (already on the car, didn't check the brand)

A-833 4 speed manual

16"x8" or 16"x9" wheels with 255 or 275 tires (the car will be a weekend street fun driver, no racing, no dragstrip, so keeping the overall tire diameter close to stock)

lifters and pushrods are stock and almost new


I'm looking for a good performance cam, which is not totally crappy on idle though, looking into 340+ hp maybe?

I had a quick look online, with for example (among so many other choices available) Comp Cams 268H 20-212-2 High Energy hydraulic flat tappets cam with .454" lift and 268° duration.
Is that any good? too mild? too agressive? completely off base?

Thanks in advance guys

 

[mguner]

With a 4 speed you should be OK, however the 340 grind is much more street friendly. Do you plan to run A/C?

 

[yotah1]

Yes the car had A/C from stock so I'll keep it. A/C, Power steering, no power brakes. I think that covers pretty much the setup?

 

[mguner]

If you are running A/C I would stay with the 340 grind. Little engines running accessories do not like much lope at all and you will be much happier with the drivability I think.

 

[yotah1]

340 cam then? I'll check it out to compare the specs.

Any idea of what horsepower and torque numbers these generate on a 318 with a similar setup?

 

[racerdan80]

I would upgrade the valves to 1.88/1.60 help that motor breath better. Otherwise even with headers those small valves are a bottle neck. Improving your ignition would be a big plus in cold weather starting as well as more power and economy. Msd 8388 rtr distributor is a good one as well as the mopar electonic distributor conversion.

 

[joec]

I think the cam 318willrun chose in his 318 build or the 260h comp would fit nicely.

 

[racerdan80]

If you are going to upgrade the cam, I would suggest using whatever springs the cam manufacturer requires.

 

[yotah1]

I plan to upgrade the springs at the same time.

I intend to keep the current valves though, more interested in air velocity rather than volume.

I had a quick chat with the guys from Edelbrock at Autorama on Friday, they brought some light to my candel