The cam install is complete; everything went very well except for taking about twice
as long as I thought it would; overall I am extremely pleased with the result. I will
be doing some more dyno work once things are broken in a bit and will post the results.

Here is the summary of the parts installed. I did take the liberty to do some rear end
and exhaust work at the same time.

Edited to include the Comp "R" lifters

Crane 104227 cam (210/224 112 .511/.553)
Comp "R" lifters (lash set to 1/8 turn w/ 7/16s studs)
LT4 extreme duty timing set
Comp 26915 beehive springs (installed height was 1.745")
Comp 795-16 retainers and 614-16 +.050" super locks
Manley 42437-16 CNC retainers (w/ OD machined down to 1.32")
GM valve stem seals (red on exhaust, black on intake)
Delco Rapidfire #14 spark plugs (gapped @ .055")
Accel extreme 9000 spark plug wires
Home port matched cast iron exhaust manifolds (outlet OD opened up to 2.40")
3.73:1 gears (changed from 3.42:1)
BMR non-adjustable torque arm

I double and triple checked everything along the way. I followed the factory service
manual and the shoebox tech info extensively. I even attempted to verify the degreeing
of the cam but gave up once I realized that I could only estimate within 3-4 degrees
anyway (at least I have a degree wheel in stock now - LOL). There are definately a few
tips and tricks that you find out the hard way (water pump gear, sequencing of install).

Some side benefits that I hope are obtained are: eliminate intake manifold oil leak; fix
several rattles; and eliminate the pinon seal leak. So far (50 miles) all have been
realized.

I know most of you consider the Crane 227 a baby cam, but it's just the ticket for me.
One of my favorite old Pontiac cams was the 9779068 which is a 211/225 with a 113
centerline. This compared to the 227s 210/224 on a 112 centerline seemed to be a good
choice since I had experience with the 9779068. The 227 has a very very mild lope but it
is noticeable if you have the ear for it. I can't wait to stand on it and see what happens.

I would like to thank Rob/shoebox and all of you on the board that provided information
when questions were asked. This board is a great information resourse and made this cam
change job much easier. Not too mention the "search database".

 

Way to go!

I'm looking forward to any follow up posts with your impressions of how the cam drives, and dyno results.

Congrats.

Dan

 

Thanks Dan,
I have about 85 miles on the car now and it's running real
smooth. Looking forward to a top down cruise this evening.
The dyno runs should be done in the next 3 or 4 weeks. The
3.73s are real nice too. Seems like a good cam/gear combo.