400 Small Block Cam?

[BigHemi353]

I have a 400 small block I just pulled yesterday out of one of my parts trucks and want to know what cam I should run with it. Going to send it to the machine shop later on this week and have them check it out and install my cam bearings. I want to send my cam with it so I can assure a proper fit. So excuse my ignorance but what should this motor use(mechanical or hydraulic cam)? I was leaning towards the Lunati VooDoo cam since that's what my brother is running is his truck and is very please with it. I'm keeping my stock heads so I know I shouldn't go too far from a stock duration cam but I would like a little more torque for towing a gooseneck with farm equipment and sled pulling from time to time.  Any suggestions? Im not necessarily loyal to the Lunati cams so any other brands are welcome to suggestion.

Also, should I get some stronger valve springs to accommodate the new cam or just stay stock? Thank you!

Andy

[VileZambonie]

Need more info on the rest of your engine set up as well as trans and final drive gear ratio. Tire size? You don't need to send them the cam to put the cam bearings in.

[BigHemi353]

Sorry, 3.42 gears with SM465 and 208. Completely stock motor that is going to be rebuilt. Elelbrock Performer Intake. Not sure on the carb I'm going to run yet but something aftermarket that will be suitable for the truck or quite possibly running a rebuilt quadrajet. Tire size is going to range from 35's for around town and 33's for towing stuff.     Far as sending the cam with the block, I'm just doing it as a precautionary measure. This machine shop gave me some issues before with installing bearings(my tractor's engine) and I just want to be sure. Thank you

[VileZambonie]

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-K1103/ Here is an inexpensive cam that will allow you to run your stock heads

[team39763]

Would he need to swap valvesprings too?  If so, those "Z28" springs from SDPC are pretty cheap and I hear they work fine.  I bought a set a few years ago, but I didn't use the heads after the springs were installed.

[VileZambonie]

If they are within spec they'll work fine with that cam

[BigHemi353]

Good deal. So it doesn't matter whether its hydraulic or mechanical cam? And would it be a good idea to get stronger valve springs such as the Z28 springs for my 400 heads?  Also, what would "In Spec" consist of?  Thanks guys

[team39763]

Your 400 most likely came with a hydraulic flat tappet cam, so it would be easier to stick with that type.  I don't know much about checking valvesprings, but I think there's a special tool that's used to check them.

[BigHemi353]

So, Your saying I just could go with a new set of stock springs for my heads? I wouldn't be against Z28 springs but style? LS1? LT1? or does it matter? Sorry for being dumb guys lol I really do appreciate the help though!

[VileZambonie]

If your existing springs are ok just run them. It's a mild cam, low flow heads, they'll be fine. If you want to get aggressive then that's a different story.

[team39763]

I believe they only make z28 style springs for sbc engines(no ls1/lt1 stuff).  http://sdparts.com/details/scoggin-dickey-parts-center/sd1004
 Like Vile said, if your springs are OK then just run em.  But if you're gonna change springs anyway, I don't think it would hurt to put in the Z28 springs.

[BigHemi353]

Thanks for all the help guys! I'll probably pull that motor apart tomorrow and have a look at things. About 80,000 miles on the motor so not sure what to expect but not too worried because its been an old mans farm truck since new. I'll probably just go ahead and order that summit cam and be done with it. I appreciate the help again guys!

[screamin86]

I ran that cam in a 305 with z28 springs in my 82 trans am for a few years and I really liked it. I now run that cam in the 350 I have in my k10 with a little stiffer spring (.500) and I still love it. It doesn't lope as had in the 350 as it did in the 305 but its a grea cam. I ran it with stock springs for awhile but I stongly sugest the stiffer springs its a lot better imo. I ran it in my truck with the stock le9 springs for awhile and it was OK but its a lot better now with the stronger springs. It pulls good to 5500 in my truck and would pull a little higher in the 305 but I later added 1.6rr to it which helped too.