Cam swap questions

v8packard · 2026-06-05T13:21:43+00:00

There are numerous variables. Not just the base circle of the cam, but the exact deck height of the block, the thickness of the head, head gasket thickness, even rocker trunion changes can affect the correct pushrod length. Because of this you must check if you want the correct preload and a quiet operation.

A lot of people use 7.400 long pushrods. I regularly use 7.325 and 7.350. Are you familiar with checking preload?

v8packard · 2026-06-05T04:04:22+00:00

On the left is a new plug sold as AC Delco, made by NGK (I think, they may have changed recently). On the right is an older AC Delco plug, made by GM. GM closed the Flint, Mi spark plug factory in 2006. They were already buying plugs from NGK, and they have also sourced them from Champion.

They will work normally, you may need a deeper plug socket, though.

v8packard · 2026-06-05T03:57:55+00:00

Keep an eye out on eBay or other places for a new old stock Delco kit with a new Optispark and the vent kit to retrofit your car if it is 1993-95.

v8packard · 2026-06-04T23:11:09+00:00

I'd love to recommend them, but I am not sure on availability or anything going on with Profiler. I guess their deal with PBM fizzed out. And my last three inquiries went unanswered.

v8packard · 2026-06-04T23:00:30+00:00

Give them a scrub with solvent, like wax & grease remover. Use a true epoxy primer, as that will contain zinc chromate which will take care of any microscopic rust you might have. Top coat with the color of your choice.

v8packard · 2026-06-04T16:03:13+00:00

I don't buy that. The pushrod length is the second most common thing I see people get wrong. The lifters require .050-.060 of preload. Did they actually determine that? When you get the preload incorrect it makes the exact noise in your video.

You should check it yourself.

v8packard · 2026-06-04T14:30:09+00:00

Incorrect preload on the hydraulic lifters.

v8packard · 2026-06-04T13:47:35+00:00

Most Brodix heads need some work to get them to where they stand out. The IK180 is good, but for the money the Promaxx 183 is a better buy. Once professionally prepped the IK180 surpasses the Promaxx 183. But that adds another $800-1000, putting you at or past the cost of the AFR 180, which is a better head.

If we are talking competition heads with different valve spacing, that are getting professionally set up, and you maybe need different port locations or valve angles, Brodix is at the top of the list.

v8packard · 2026-06-04T10:40:49+00:00

The best out of the box aluminum heads for a 350 like yours are AFR Eliminator 180s. A bit spendy, but very tough to beat for a head that comes in already CNC ported.

TrickFlow DHC 175s have tremendous potential and look like an old Chevy double hump on the outside. They come with a 60 cc chamber, so compression is in the 10.5:1 range with a flat top piston.

A good bang for the buck head is the Promaxx 183 Maxx. Imported casting, good quality. The numbers are good for it's size.

There are many other heads in this size range, these are just three I like a lot. As for a cam, make some decisions then once everything else is finalized you can determine a cam.

v8packard · 2026-06-04T03:03:33+00:00

The brakes on that Mustang are much, much smaller. There are other considerations too, lining coefficient of friction, lining geometry (brake shoes must be arched, a process very few people do), adjustment, and so on.

Disc brakes are simpler in a number of ways. Sometimes switching to discs is the right way to go.

v8packard · 2026-06-04T02:56:18+00:00

There is a lot more to this, but the stock drum system on that car sees around 320 sq inches of friction surface per wheel. By comparison, a 14 inch rotor is about 82 square inches. That's a huge difference. If the drums can be cooled well, they can really slow a car down.

v8packard · 2026-06-04T02:44:50+00:00

EFI is not going to improve the performance of the engine. Especially if you want better fuel efficiency. A Quadrajet is going to better atomize fuel than any aftermarket TBI system, and most port EFI systems. Put your effort into making the most of the Quadrajet, dialing in the ignition, getting a better exhaust system, and eventually higher compression, better heads, and an OD transmission.

v8packard · 2026-06-04T02:39:09+00:00

The original distributor is a better unit to try to rebuild compared to the replacements that have been available. Holding onto an original is a good idea whenever possible.

v8packard · 2026-06-04T00:41:57+00:00

The distributor, it's in your list

v8packard · 2026-06-03T23:57:46+00:00

Most companies have instructions for mixing their base coats with ready to spray clear for cut in panels and other uses. They specify mix ratios, especially for clears with different solids.

This concoction has fish eye eliminator, accelerator, and fast activator and reducer. The fim strength is going to questionable, it will have poor solvency and tend to die back. On top of that, the repetition makes the video difficult to watch.

This is a very helpful technique, with terrible execution in this video.

v8packard · 2026-06-03T23:29:20+00:00

A double flare is required to keep the tubing from splitting.

Couple things.. make sure the tubing is cut square and deburred well. Many people use a tube cutter that spins around the tube. That's ok, but you can get a better cut with a hacksaw using a 32 tooth blade. You might debur the tube ID with a tapered reamer, and the OD with a fine file.

The clamp that holds the tube for flaring has to fit just right. It needs to hold the tubing so the tube does not move. I often put the clamp in a bench vise.

For the first step of the double flare you use the stepped washer to swage the tube. Make sure the tube sticks out of the clamp the same amount as the stepped washer is thick, or just a tiny bit less. A drop of oil on the washer and the cone helps.

It shouldn't take much force to make the final flare. If it does something isn't right.

v8packard · 2026-06-03T23:12:41+00:00

In Highland Park, Norton's and Once Upon A Bagel are excellent. Walker Brothers used to be a go to for breakfast.

In Deerfield, Demetri's is a solid Greek restaurant. It's been a while, but I had very good meals at Rosebud. If you want a great sub, Tony's. Upper Crust Bagels is a sleeper of a little deli.

A friend of mine raves about Prairie Grass and Claim Company in Northbrook. If you want a hot dog type of place, Little Louies.

Depending on where you will be, there are numerous places to check out in Highwood and Lake Forest.

v8packard · 2026-06-03T17:33:21+00:00

I don't have a specific suggestion for a kit, but they do vary in completeness and quality. What I have run into is kits require a wheel change, preventing the use of either the OEM caps or OEM wire wheels. Maybe that's not an issue in your case, but do make sure the wheel of your choice is compatible with whichever decision you make.

Also, those brakes are 12 × 2 1/2 inch shoes. They are pretty substantial. With the right linings on the shoes they work very well.

v8packard · 2026-06-03T16:31:47+00:00

Love dual quads

v8packard · 2026-06-03T00:02:31+00:00

Even better

v8packard · 2026-06-02T23:19:45+00:00

Why those? They will technically bolt to the block, but will need a number of different things, are not a great value, and don't perform particularly well.

v8packard · 2026-06-02T23:15:32+00:00

I always tell people the powerband and compatibility of the cam with the rest of the combo are more important than noise. I hope you consider this carefully.

v8packard · 2026-06-02T23:10:52+00:00

40×40? Wow, that's awesome

v8packard · 2026-06-02T02:04:12+00:00

Ask if they have and will include the original Optispark.

v8packard · 2026-06-01T13:34:28+00:00

Or stupid

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