Choosing a camshaft for my flathead

D

Doug Black

Junior Member
I have a 40 mercury flathead that needs a camshaft. I have a offenhauser 2x2 with 97's. It is all stock besides the intake. What cam should I buy?
 
I am not a camshaft expert, but I am kind of a psychic. I see many recommedndations for ..... an L-100 grind!

Seriously, after doing some research, I am leaving the stock cam in my '51 Merc that will have aluminum heads modified for maximum quench, a 2GC carb, and a modified SBC Mallory dual point. This engine will go into a '51 Ford which is a relatively heavy car. If you're engine is going into a light coupe or roadster or back into the '40 Merc makes a difference. It's easy to "over-cam" an engine.

Interesting reading here : http://www.tildentechnologies.com/Cams/FlatheadPerformance.html.
 
An L-100 Need compression to allow low speed torque to make up for the cams lost of low end torque in a small displacement engine. It runs exceptionally well in a 276 with a tight combustion chamber and 8.5 CR. so not so hot in a 221o3 239 in a heavy car.
 
There are as many opinions on cams as there are flatheads.
My choice was a 1077B grind, not terribly aggressive, but it sure sounds good.
Pretty much stock 265, with edelbrock heads and tri carb intake.
Runs strong.
 
You will find some great sounding examples at Go Cat Speed Shop site. After speaking with the owner, Eric I purchased a Howard M-6 grind from there and love it. Like you I am to kept it stock and am running dual 94's.
Great videos on this site of engines Eric had built with multiple configurations. If nothing else it is sweet to hear them run.
www.gocatspeedshop.com
 
I think we're at a point where you should do some research, and be aware of the hype. Buy a few Books like JWL's "Flathead facts". Consider just what you want in an engine and then add up the costs of the modifications and how much of the work you can do. Remember one thing, There are no street unblown flatheads that make 200 hP
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top