That H-272 cam grind was Crane's go to, "middle of the road" camshaft for a lot of years. It did everything OK and some things well but, never great.AmericanPie wrote: ↑Sat Sep 19, 2020 7:59 pm Hi guys, I’m new to the forum and could use some advice about the best cam for my long-term “keeper” car, a ‘65 Impala SS with its original 327/300HP engine, Powerglide and 3.31 rear end. I realize the Powerglide will be limiting my cam choices, but it will be staying in the car.
I plan to finally rebuild the engine soon and all I want to do is make a few basic performance upgrades while I’ve got the engine apart. The stock cam peters out at 4800 rpm and I’d like to give the engine just a bit more personality without losing too much on the low-end.
The engine will be built to mostly stock specs, using upgraded components such as rods, pistons, valves, etc. Static CR with flat tops will be about 9.5:1, with its 64cc double-hump (-461) heads. Carb is an AFB (about 600 cfm, I think).
This cam is sitting in my garage and was recommended to me by a Crane tech years ago. However, I’m concerned it might have a bit too much duration and overlap for my application (3800 lb. car, 327, and that Powerglide):
Crane H-272-2 (216/228, .454”/.480”, 112 LSA, 54* overlap)
After consulting with several cam companies these are a few others I have in mind (I like Crane and Isky cams with fairly conservative lobes):
Crane H-260-2 (204/216, .427”/.454”, 112 LSA, 42* overlap)
Isky 262/270 (208/216, .435”/. 445”, 112 LSA, 42* overlap)
Crane H-266-2 (210/216, .440”/.454” , 114 LSA, 41* overlap)
I know the “safe” choice would be one of the milder cams. But the H-272-2 was suggested because it's supposed to pull slightly harder to about 5500 rpm yet still have plenty of low-end torque. The H-266-2 is somewhere in the middle: good low and midrange torque and able to pull to about 5300.
I'd appreciate any suggestions on a final cam selection. Thanks!
It worked well with Chevy's "service pack" springs which fit right in place of the stock production springs; (probably the most copied spring in existence). That alone is what made it a desirable part.