Looking for as close to stock cam as I can find.

[Sean Officer]

Good evening all,

I am in the process of rebuilding a 1967 273 2bbl. As of right now, I am rebuilding it as close to stock and reusing as many original parts as I can.....because money. The engine is currently disassembled and in the process of being cleaned. There are a few parts that need replaced, most notably the cam. The original cam looks kind of like the dog chewed on it. I would like to stick with as close to stock cam as I can. From the research I have done so far, the ISKY E4 seems to be the best bet though it seems to be more geared toward the Commando version of the engine. I will be the first to admit I do not completely understand all the numbers associated with these though I am working on improving that knowledge base. The main change to the engine will be the exhaust. I am probably going to go with headers and an 2.5" x-pipe dual exhaust vice the stock manifolds and single exhaust. I would greatly appreciate both a cam recommendation and some references that can help me better understand the various numbers associated with a camshaft and how they affect performance. Thank you.

 

[SGBARRACUDA]

PM sent.

 

[NCmtnDWELLER]

PM sent.

I was thinking of you when I seen the ad !!

 

[NCmtnDWELLER]

Yes Sir

 

[Sean Officer]

Thank you Roy. Another question from a newbie. With the 318 cam using hydraulic lifters, would I set the valves at zero lash vice the hot lash (Operating Clearance) in the service manual? There is a clearance listed for the 273 but not for the 318. And with it having 50 miles on it, would I still want to do a break in when I put it together?

 

[AJ/FormS]

To use the Hydraulic cam, normally you would use hydraulic lifters and use the adjustable gear to set the preload. Which I would set to 1.0 turns, but you can bury the pushrods deep into the lifters.For a high revver, you need to set closer to 1 or a tad less so that if you push the rpm into valve-float, there is a minimal chance of the pistons and valves crashing. And the engine recovers faster from the lifter pump-up..
If you put solids on the hydro, then you gotta lash them, and then the cam gets smaller in both duration and lift. If you don't set the lash, the valves may overheat, especially the exhausts. When the valves burn, you get a do-over.

 

[Sean Officer]

I ended up picking up the stock 318 Cam and hydraulic lifters Roy had for sale. As a close to stock rebuild, I am not planning on a high revving engine. This will be mostly for my Wife and I to go out on weekend cruises with. I am also getting the feeling that once this is all said and done, I will be looking for another. Drawn to the Second Gen Roadrunners and Chargers, the First Gen Challenger (1970 specifically) and the Third Gen Barracuda.