[Johan Ronkainen (Johan_r)]

Hi. I'd need some help selecting right camshaft for my '74 Challenger.

I'm replacing original 318 with 360 that came from '72 truck. New engine is built to stock specs and came without intake and carb. I have intake ('69 iron 340 4-bbl) and carb (600cfm Carter AFB) that are going to that 360. It's got non-ported 915 heads with 1.88/1.60 valves, stock compression ratio (8.5?) with dished pistons (.010" oversize) and forged rods. I already have dual exhaust with crossover installed and headers. Transmission is TF-727 and 8 3/4" rear with 2.76 ratio (no lock), 245/65R15 tires. For torq converter I can pick between stock and TCI "Saturday Night Special" that's 400-500RPM over stock stall speed. Pump gas (98E, that's ~93 for you US guys), street only car.

I don't know if 360's that went to trucks got same camshaft as cars in '72. For cars I found following specs for 71-74 360 from web; int:252adv/.410" and exh:256adv/.412". One of SB books I have says int:268adv/.429", exh:276adv/.444" for '74 360 4bbl. Actually I have int:278adv/.467", exh:290adv/.494" camshaft on shelf, but I feel it's too radical for street use and rear-end ratio my car has.

I know I need 360 balanced flexplate to use neutral balanced torq converter from 318 and that one motor mount is in slightly different location. Anything else I should be aware before engine swap? Brakes are good shape and repaired on last summer. Discs in front and drums in back.

What do you guys think? Go with stock whatever is in engine right now or something else similar to what Chrysler used back in early 70's? I suppose there's been progress in camshafts during last 30 years so they might be sorta outdated today?

[Dave-R (Roppa440)]

With that tall axle gearing you are going to need a lot of torque from the engine. The low compression does not help anything either. That cam you have on the shelf is no good for this engine unless you changed to a low gear and higher compression.

People 'round here know I always bang on about Hughes Engines and the cams they sell. HE0914AL is the one I would use with that combo. It will feel strong but don't expect it to be a screaming small bock. Use the stock converter too. Higher stall will be no advantage to you.

[Graham Shortreed (Transma]

Johann.
I agree with Dave on the converter. With those tall gears, you don't need a high stall.
Look for one that has either a
"low stall" decal on it or the number "085" stamped into the cover on the hub side of the converter. These markings by the way, are Factory markings.