OK. To check how agressive a cam is you take the adverstised duration an subtrack the duration at .050". In your case take 288 and subtrack 226. You come up with a number of 62. Most of the modern cams have a number of around 50. The smaller the number the faster the valves open up. This means more horsepower for a given duration. I'm not saying you will not make good power with your cam but you are leaving horsepower on the table for that duration.

There are a lot of good cams out there in the 226 degree range that will give you a better idle and good vacuum at idle to run your accessories. So with one of the "modern" cams if you add 50 to 226 you will come up with 276 advertised duration. That is 12 degress less duration than the cam you plan on running. So you can see where it would idle better and give you more vacuum.

I don't know what heads you are going to run but they need to be taken into the equation. Heads is the key as to how much horsepower you can make.

 

Ok, so you're talking about the ramp rates. I understand a little bit about that. I don't know how much hp I'm leaving on the table as far as that's concerned, but aren't slower ramp rates easier on the valvetrain? I doubt I'll get a different cam unless mine is damages from the spun bearings, but I'd consider it if it's worth the money.

 

Yes slower ramps and less lift is easier on the valve train. I don't know what your budget is or goals but good valve train componets are readily available. These go a long way in increasing valve train life. Just food for thought during your buildup. By the way good luck on your motor.

 

Thanks. I didn't skimp on the valvetrain with 918 beehives, 10* hardware and pro comp magnum RR, but it does have to last a long time and this cam has more lift that many of the comp cams (.560/.569). I just don't wanna end up with an engine with 12:1 compression, low dcr and too much quench. Funny thing is I didn't know what most of that was before today! How does milling the heads affect CR?

 

Milling the heads will increase the compression ratio. Usually .1 for every .006" of flat milling. Some will be .1 for every .007" of head milling depending on who made your heads. You have good valve train components. Don't forget to get a good set of pushrods if you have not already.

With a zero decked block the head gasket will determine the quench. I would say anywhere from .035" to .040" quench and you will be good to to. Also be sure to degree the cam when installing it.

 

I installed the cam straight up since it has 4 degrees of advance ground in already and it ran fine. I have hardened pushrods from comp too, the chromoly aren't necessary and very expensive.