Flathead Cam recommendation

The 400jr is a poor selection, because of a wear factor, if you intend to do road trips. It is a real tappet slapper but is a very powerful cam. With mild timing it would be a superior street cam if not for the self destructive nature.

It is the same story repeated regularly----"I want a cam that has a nice lopey idle and is easy to drive with good power". But, until a low cost variable valve timing system is available for our Flatheads we might not be able to satisfy all our wishes.
 
The 400jr is no short duration cam....
The 258 degrees that you read everywhere is measured at 0.02 lift.
So it comes to (around ) 275 degrees advertised duration...

But its a good cam!
 
I agree, the 400jr is one of the best short track cam. unfortunately, it was designed back in the early 50's and has some wear problems due to the higher valve spring pressures needed to keep the cam and lifters happy. This leads to excessive wear. I recommenced the L-100 or the Isky 1007b as an alternate. They have a high lift and can run with 50/60 lbs of spring pressure. On the L-100 I used a .060 shim under the stock springs for street use.
 
JWL
you didn't read that I need something that was easy to drive, any suggestion on a cam?? I am committed to the flathead.

Cobbie
 
Hi Ron, I sent you a private message regarding whether you had any information or experience regarding a Howard F 10 cam. I ran this cam in a 276 ci flathead back in 1958. I recall that it had a fast choppy idle and would come up on the cam around 2500 rpm. Just for my knowledge, I wonder if you have the specs on this cam. Thanks!
 
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